Apple Music Adds AI Labels

Apple Music will launch labels on songs created with artificial intelligence later this year, in a bid to boost transparency on its platform. The move requires content providers to include AI Transparency Tags when AI is used to create a material portion of the content.

The introduction of AI labels comes after Apple Music introduced transparency tags in March, which allowed record labels and music distributors to disclose when content was generated using AI. The new labels will make these tags visible to Apple Music users, providing more information about the music they listen to.

The move is part of a broader initiative by the music industry to address the use of AI in music creation. The RIAA and IFPI have led a push for streaming services to add AI labels to their platforms, similar to how explicit tracks are disclosed. Spotify has already announced plans to label AI artists on its platform, although its approach focuses on labeling artist profiles rather than individual songs.

Apple Music's decision to introduce AI labels is significant, given the growing presence of AI-generated music on its platform. Over a third of the service's new monthly uploads are AI-generated songs, although the actual usage of these songs is less than 1 percent. The company has also taken steps to address streaming fraud, doubling its penalty fees on those caught engaging in the practice.

## Why it matters The introduction of AI labels on Apple Music has important implications for the music industry. As AI-generated music becomes more prevalent, there is a growing need for transparency about how music is created. The use of AI labels will help to ensure that listeners are aware of the role of AI in the music they listen to, and will also help to address concerns about streaming fraud and the potential for AI-generated music to manipulate streaming charts.

The move is also part of a broader trend towards greater transparency in the music industry. With the rise of streaming, there is a growing need for clear information about the music that is being listened to, and the role of AI in its creation. By introducing AI labels, Apple Music is taking a step towards providing this transparency, and setting a precedent for other streaming services to follow.