A new industry proposal for labeling wholly AI-generated and AI-assisted music has drawn responses from DiMA (Digital Media Association), AI music firm Suno, and streaming service Deezer, revealing divergent views on metadata, artist control, and the path to a unified framework.
DiMA Calls for Better Metadata
DiMA, which represents large streaming platforms, said the success of any labeling system depends on rightsholders providing accurate and detailed metadata. “DiMA has long advocated for the creators, owners, and distributors of music to provide accurate and timely metadata on all music released and distributed to streaming services,” the organization stated.
It added that it is “following today’s announcement closely and look forward to receiving more detailed and accurate AI metadata, which will strengthen our ability to give fans the transparency they deserve.” DiMA also pointed to standards bodies such as DDEX (Digital Data Exchange) as essential partners, though DDEX was not part of the original announcement. Spotify and DDEX have already been developing an AI-labeling standard, which Spotify disclosed last September.
Suno Stresses Artist Control
Suno, an AI music company, positioned itself as a constructive participant in the conversation. A spokesperson said, “This is a nuanced conversation that will require thoughtful solutions, which is why we’re continuing to work with creatives, rightsholders, and platforms on approaches that protect artists while supporting human creativity.”
The company highlighted its investments in watermarking, audio fingerprinting, and other tools to help artists disclose AI use. Suno also pushed back against a top-down mandate: “We believe that ultimately it should be up to artists and platforms to decide how to treat these complex issues.”
Deezer Backs a Unified Framework
Deezer offered a warmer reception. “It’s encouraging to see steps being taken towards a unified approach to generative AI in music,” a spokesperson said, adding that Deezer “is ready to support the development of an industry-wide framework.”
The responses highlight overlapping initiatives. The industry bodies aim to build a broad framework, while Spotify and DDEX are already advancing their own standard. Suno’s statement signals that AI music platforms will seek a seat at the table rather than have rules imposed on them.
