AI threatens 25% of music creators’ income, study finds

Key findings: A comprehensive study commissioned by the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) reveals dramatic shifts in revenue patterns within creative industries due to AI adoption.

• The generative AI market for music and audiovisual content is projected to surge from €3 billion to €64 billion by 2028
• Music creators face an estimated 24% reduction in revenue
• Audiovisual creators could see a 21% decline in earnings
• The combined losses for creators could reach €22 billion over five years

Market impact analysis: Generative AI is poised to capture substantial market share from traditional creative sectors by 2028.

• AI-generated music is expected to represent 20% of traditional music streaming revenue
• Music libraries face even greater disruption, with AI potentially claiming 60% of their revenue
• Translators and adaptation professionals are most vulnerable, risking 56% of their revenue
• Screenwriters and directors could experience 15-20% revenue declines

Industry response: Creative industry leaders are advocating for stronger protections and fair compensation mechanisms.

• CISAC director general Gadi Oron highlights the unfair appropriation of creators’ works by AI providers
• Film director Ángeles González-Sinde Reig emphasizes the need to balance AI innovation with creator rights
• Former ABBA member and CISAC president Björn Ulvaeus praises Australia and New Zealand’s approach to protecting creators

Regulatory landscape: Various regions are developing frameworks to address AI’s impact on creative industries.

• The EU’s AI Act requires tech companies to obtain permission from rights-holders for AI training data
• Australia and New Zealand are setting progressive standards for protecting creator rights
• The US Copyright Office is currently evaluating regulations for AI training using creative content

Looking ahead: The creative industry stands at a critical juncture where policy decisions will significantly shape the future relationship between AI technology and human creativity.

• Without proper safeguards and fair compensation mechanisms, AI could fundamentally alter the creative economy’s structure
• The potential exists for mutually beneficial outcomes if appropriate protections are established
• The urgency for policy intervention grows as AI capabilities and market penetration accelerate