Korean startup targets 'legal AI music' via copyright tracking
More than half of the new tracks uploaded to French streaming service Deezer each day are now made by artificial intelligence (AI). The company said such uploads peaked in June at about 90,000 a day, up from roughly 10,000 in January 2025. The record industry's response is shifting from the courtroom to the negotiating table. Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, which sued AI music…
Korean innovators are addressing the legal challenges of AI-generated music by developing a system for copyright tracking. According to Deezer, over half of the newly uploaded tracks each day are AI-created. This trend surged in June 2025, with an average of 90,000 AI tracks daily, compared to around 10,000 in January 2025. The music industry has moved away from legal action and is now focusing on negotiations.
Major record labels, including Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music, have already reached settlements with AI music generators Suno and Udio. However, there remains a gap in the system to compensate the original creators whose music fuels these AI systems.
Streaming services currently operate on a straightforward formula, counting song plays and paying royalties accordingly. Yet, a similar mechanism does not exist for AI-generated songs that are derived from existing tracks. Streaming platforms are currently excluding fully AI-generated content from royalty payments. In Korea, this issue is particularly pertinent.
K-pop music, which enjoys global popularity through platforms like Deezer, Melon, and YouTube, is also experiencing the impact of AI-assisted tracks rising in the charts.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Korean startup targets 'legal AI music' via copyright tracking koreatimes.co.kr
