By Johnson OYIMA
Business News Analyst
Sony Group Corp. has introduced a new technology designed to identify the original sources of music generated by artificial intelligence, marking a major step toward protecting the rights of composers, songwriters, and music publishers.
The Japanese tech and entertainment giant said the innovation allows rights holders to trace AI-generated music back to the original copyrighted works used in training AI systems. This breakthrough could enable creators to demand compensation when their music is used without permission.
How the Technology Works
According to Sony, the system can analyse AI models and compare the generated music with existing copyrighted tracks. It then determines how much each original work contributed to the final AI-generated output.
By quantifying this contribution, the technology makes it easier to establish ownership links and calculate royalties or compensation owed to original creators.
A spokesperson for Sony’s entertainment division said the company aims to support fair compensation in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
“We want to help build a system where creators are properly recognised and rewarded for their work,” the spokesperson said.
Rising Concerns Over AI and Copyright
The announcement comes amid growing global concerns about artificial intelligence tools being trained on copyrighted music without the consent of artists or rights holders.
Many AI platforms rely on massive datasets that include songs, recordings, and compositions, often without clear licensing agreements. This has triggered legal battles across the music industry.
Sony Music Entertainment has already taken legal action in the United States against companies accused of using copyrighted music to train AI systems without authorisation.
Protecting Creators in the AI Era
Sony’s new system could play a critical role in shaping how intellectual property is protected in the age of generative AI. By enabling accurate tracking of musical origins, the technology strengthens the ability of creators and publishers to enforce their rights and receive fair payment.
Industry analysts say innovations like this could become standard tools as AI-generated content becomes more widespread, helping to balance technological advancement with the protection of creative ownership.
