3 performing rights groups create new standards for AI music creation

Three major performing rights organizations—ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN—announced updated policies allowing registration of musical compositions that are partially generated using artificial intelligence tools. The move reflects the growing integration of AI in songwriting workflows while maintaining strict boundaries around fully automated music creation, positioning these organizations to balance technological innovation with creator protection.

What you should know: The new policies define partially AI-generated works as compositions that combine AI-generated content with human authorship, but fully AI-created music remains ineligible for registration.

• All three organizations emphasized their opposition to AI companies training models on copyrighted works without permission, compensation, or credit to creators.
• The policy changes respond to increasing adoption of AI tools by songwriters and composers in their creative processes.

What they’re saying: Industry leaders framed the decision as supporting human creativity while embracing technological tools.

• “Songwriters and composers have always experimented with innovative tools as part of their creative process, and AI is no exception,” said Elizabeth Matthews, CEO of ASCAP. “We are clarifying our registration policy to now welcome partially AI-generated musical works because we believe AI can be a powerful tool for our members, as long as the law puts humans first and technology companies play fair and respect the rights of creators.”
• “This is an important first step in protecting human creativity as AI technologies evolve, while supporting the songwriters and composers who choose to use AI as a tool to enhance their creative process,” added Mike O’Neill, president and CEO of BMI.
• SOCAN CEO Jennifer Brown emphasized that “this alignment creates a legal and ethical path forward for AI in music” while “reinforcing our commitment to what matters most: respect for their work and the protection of human creativity.”

Industry moves: Several other music industry developments accompanied the AI policy announcement.

• Universal Music Publishing Group extended its global publishing agreement with actor and entertainer Idris Elba, who broke into music with 2022’s “Boasty” reaching No. 1 on the UK Indie Chart.
• Primary Wave Music promoted Peter Kurczaba to vice president of sync and Cleome Barber to director of creative A&R.
• Country artist Emily Rose partnered with Postpartum Care USA for her single “Don’t Talk About It,” which addresses postpartum depression and mental health challenges.
• Nashville artist Abbie Callahan signed with WME for global representation after debuting at major festivals including CMA Fest, Bonnaroo, and AMERICANAFEST in 2025.

Why this matters: The coordinated policy changes by these major performing rights organizations establish industry-wide standards for AI-assisted music creation, creating a framework that could influence how other music organizations handle the intersection of artificial intelligence and copyright protection while ensuring creators maintain control over their work and compensation.