Generative AI threatens artists’ earnings, study warns
The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is putting pressure on earnings in the creative sector, according to Sabam, the Belgian authors’ rights organisation. The warning is based on a study commissioned by the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers.
The report projects that the market for AI-generated music and audiovisual content could be worth up to 64 billion euros by 2028. This could potentially displace traditional income streams for creators. The shift is expected to result in a 22 billion euro revenue loss for authors in the music and audiovisual industries by the same year.
AI-generated content is likely to replace human-created works across distribution, streaming and broadcasting channels, the report says. Sabam also notes that professions such as voice actors, translators, and subtitlers are at risk due to the increasing reliance on AI technologies.
Proportional compensation
“Without regulations, authors will lose on two fronts: first through the unauthorised use of their creative works by AI models, and second through the replacement of traditional income streams with AI-generated output,” the report says.
Sabam also criticises the growing use of creative works by online platforms and broadcasters without proportional compensation for increased consumption. For instance, Spotify now includes audiobooks in its premium subscription, while the VRT Max audiovisual platform, operated by the Flemish public broadcaster, offers content free of charge without significant additional payments to directors and screenwriters.
Sabam and CISAC hope the findings will encourage policymakers to establish better regulations governing the use of generative AI in the creative sector.
Belgian musician Selah Sue © BELGA PHOTO ALEXIS TAMINIAUX
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