Google, Universal Music working on licensing deal for AI deepfake songs
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Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) and Universal Music (OTCPK:UMGNF) are working on a deal to license artists' voices and tunes for AI-generated songs, the Financial Times reported, as the music multinational looks to protect its musicians from the threat of "deepfake" songs.
These songs mimic artists' voices, lyrics or sound, usually without consent, and have been a major threat to the music industry that is grappling with the impact of the generative AI wave. 
The talks between Google (GOOG) (GOOGL) and Universal Music (OTCPK:UMGNF) are at an early stage, sources told FT, and no product launch is expected soon. 
The negotiations are aimed at making a tool for users to create deepfake tracks legitimately, while paying the copyright owners fairly. Artists would be given a choice to opt in.
"Talks are in early stages, but indicate UMG is acting to turn AI into an opportunity and increase potential areas of monetization for its catalog," said Deutsche Bank analyst Silvia Cuneo. "We believe UMG is acting promptly to adapt to AI."
Warner Music (WMG) is also said to be in talks with Google (GOOG) (GOOGL) regarding a similar product.
Universal Music (OTCPK:UMGNF) has been at the forefront of demanding copyright protection amid the AI wave. "An artist's voice is the most valuable part of their livelihood, and to steal it - no matter the means - is wrong," Universal Music general counsel Jeffrey Harleston previously told lawmakers.
Many in the industry have likened the deepfake music wave to the early days of YouTube, when users would upload videos with popular songs as soundtracks. This led to multiple lawsuits, forcing YouTube to strengthen copyright enforcement. 
"For the past 15 years, music companies and distribution platforms have partnered to grow user-generated content as a multibillion dollar revenue stream for artists and songwriters," said Warner Music (WMG) CEO Robert Kyncl during an earnings call. "Today, there are obvious similarities with AI."
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