Pozalabs Addresses Ethical AI Music Generation Concerns Amidst SACEM Inquiry

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the music industry, Pozalabs, a South Korean startup specializing in AI-generated music, has stepped into the spotlight. The company recently responded to inquiries from the Society of Authors, Composers, and Publishers of Music (SACEM) regarding its commitment to ethical AI development and adherence to intellectual property rights.

Founded in 2018, Pozalabs has quickly made a name for itself with innovative platforms like LAIVE and eapy. These tools empower users to create original music, lyrics, and vocals using sophisticated AI algorithms, sparking interest from both the tech and music sectors alike.

At the heart of Pozalabs' technology is an impressive dataset comprising over one million Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) sound samples and 50,000 vocal samples, meticulously curated by a team of 15 in-house professional composers. This approach ensures high-quality AI-generated music while sidestepping the complex issues of copyright infringement and plagiarism.

SACEM's Concerns and Pozalabs’ Assurance

On October 2, 2024, SACEM, a prominent French association for music creators, reached out to Pozalabs, urging the startup to refrain from using music affiliated with SACEM for AI training without obtaining permission. This inquiry followed SACEM's advocacy for ethical AI practices outlined in a statement made in October 2023.

In response, Pozalabs CEO Wongil Huh firmly assured SACEM that the company does not utilize any external music in its AI training processes without prior consent. Huh elaborated that Pozalabs exclusively develops its technology using proprietary MIDI datasets crafted by its own composers, emphasizing the company’s commitment to ethical AI practices since its inception.

Championing Ethical AI in the Music Industry

Wongil Huh further elaborated on Pozalabs' ethos during a recent interview, stating, "By adhering to a proprietary dataset for our AI development, we not only solve copyright issues but also respect the creative input from artists and other stakeholders." This proactive approach indicates Pozalabs' dedication to ethical practices, viewing unauthorized use of copyrighted music as both unethical and detrimental to the artistic ecosystem.

In a bid to foster transparency, Pozalabs has invited SACEM representatives to visit its headquarters in Seoul. The company aims to engage in open dialogue about its music generation processes, showcasing its commitment to cooperation in addressing industry-wide concerns.

Moreover, Pozalabs has expressed an interest in future collaborations with SACEM and its affiliated artists. Huh hinted at the potential for creating artist-specific AI music generation models, which could harmoniously integrate AI technology with the artistic talents of human musicians.

Looking Ahead: The Future of AI and Music

The conversation surrounding Pozalabs' ethical stance offers a glimpse into the future of AI in music and its relationship with the traditional music industry. Experts predict that ongoing dialogue between AI innovators and traditional music professionals will increasingly define the landscape of music creation in the years to come.

As the music industry stands at a significant intersection of innovation and tradition, Pozalabs exemplifies how AI can augment human creativity rather than overshadow it. By prioritizing ethical practices and open communication, Pozalabs is not just adapting to the changes but shaping a collaborative future where AI and human artistry coexist and thrive together.

In a world hungry for novel sounds and music experiences, Pozalabs is heralding a new era—one where technology and creativity intertwine seamlessly, bringing forth a richer musical landscape.