Global coalition demands consent in music industry AI agreements

According to the statement, artists and songwriters have received letters from major labels and publishers informing them that their work has already been included in AI licensing agreements. In cases where consent is being sought, it is often limited to voice usage rather than the ingestion of music itself to create AI works. The letter also claims that artists signing new deals are being forced to surrender moral, image and personality rights without negotiation.

The warning comes as AI licensing intensifies across the creative sectors. According to WPI Economics, 274 commercial deals have been struck between AI developers and creative industries as of 2026, including high-profile agreements with platforms such as Suno, Udio and Spotify. The American Federation of Musicians has recently begun legal action against Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group over their moves to settle lawsuits without compensating musicians.

The letter sets out three core principles that the coalition says must be respected in all AI deals: consent and control, fair compensation, and clarity and transparency. The organisations are demanding that artists and songwriters have the right to refuse the use of their music in AI systems, that revenue splits are clearly defined, and that clear information is provided in advance of any AI-related agreement.

Jess Partridge, Executive Director of EMMA, said: "Across the board, we are seeing major music companies acting unilaterally by agreeing global AI licensing agreements without entering into negotiations or requesting consent from the creative talent they work with."

She added: "This is no way to build a viable, artist-centric music sector. It also risks repeating the mistakes of the past."

Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy, said songwriters must not be expected to sign away their rights without proper authorisation, fair remuneration and full transparency. "This means having a meaningful say in how their work is used, clear information about the deals being proposed, the ability to give or withhold consent, and a fair share of the value created," he stated.

The signatories include organisations from across Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand, representing managers, songwriters and artists. The coalition argues that labels and publishers are trading rights that do not belong to them.

Ron Gubitz, Executive Director of the Music Artists Coalition, said: "Music is made by artists: songwriters, musicians, performers. The rights belong to those creators. The music business is at a moment where it can build this properly, together. But that means genuine partnership with the people who make the music."

David Martin, CEO of the Featured Artists Coalition, described the current moment as pivotal for the music business. "If we take a collegiate approach, we can capitalise on the opportunities of AI," he said. "But that approach has to be based on explicit creator consent. Artists must control how their rights are being used, and whether they even want to licence those rights in the first place."