Google Proposes Middle Way for AI Copyright, Music Industry Responds with Concerns
On 25 June 2026, Google released a policy paper outlining a “middle way” for regulating artificial‑intelligence (AI) that sits between heavy oversight and a free‑market approach. The firm argues that training AI models on publicly available web content should remain protected under U.S. fair‑use doctrine, while giving website owners the choice to opt out of being scraped.
The paper’s most relevant section for the music sector—titled “Creativity, copyright, and the AI value exchange”—defines fair use as a transformative, non‑expressive activity. It also notes that Google has already secured licensing agreements for specialist, non‑public material and suggests that similar partnerships could become standard across the creative economy.
Reactions from rights holders have been mixed. Major labels and publishing groups contend that permission and compensation must precede the use of copyrighted work in AI training. The debate centers not only on whether AI can learn from existing music but also on who benefits financially when AI systems are built on decades of creative output.
A key point of contention is Google’s focus on AI‑generated outputs rather than training data. The company recommends that copyright enforcement target whether a finished AI song, image, or text directly copies an existing work, rather than scrutinizing the datasets used to train the model. Critics warn that, with the volume of AI‑generated content rising, detecting infringement after the fact could become impractical.
Deezer’s recent data illustrates the scale of the problem. The French streaming platform reported that, as of 20 April 2026, it receives roughly 75,000 fully AI‑generated tracks per day—about 44 % of all new uploads. The company has also stopped storing high‑resolution versions of AI tracks to limit potential royalty dilution.
In response to the growing AI tide, several major industry players are exploring licensing models. UMG, Warner, and Merlin have begun negotiating agreements that would allow AI companies to access music legally while compensating rights holders. Whether such arrangements become widespread remains to be seen, but licensing is likely to play a central role in shaping AI development.
Independent musicians are urged to stay informed. With AI tools increasingly used for lyric brainstorming, artwork generation, and workflow automation, clear ownership records and accurate metadata become essential for proving authorship and securing royalties. The industry’s future will hinge on balancing innovation with fair attribution and compensation.
Governments worldwide are still formulating their own AI‑copyright frameworks, and several lawsuits involving AI developers and rights holders are pending. The outcomes of these cases will influence legislation and industry standards for years to come. For now, the music sector watches closely as Google’s proposals, industry responses, and regulatory developments unfold.
