Sony Music "Do Not Use Music for AI Training"... What Is the Response from Korean Startups?

Letter to over 700 AI Companies and Platforms
AI Music Creation Startup 'Poja Labs'
Reveals Their Response... "Let's Collaborate"

"Do not use Sony Music Group's music assets for artificial intelligence (AI) training without permission." (Sony Music Group)

"We do not use any external music sources for music generation." (Huh Won-gil, CEO of Poja Labs)

One of the world's largest record labels, Sony Music Group, recently sent a letter to the domestic AI music creation startup Poja Labs, requesting that their music tracks not be used for AI training without permission. Poja Labs responded to this. CEO Huh Won-gil stated, "We developed a music generation AI model using a dataset created by a team of about 30 in-house composers," adding, "We operate under strict ethical standards regarding the use of AI training data." He proposed that Sony Music visit Poja Labs' Seoul office to share the AI music generation process and discuss collaboration with affiliated artists.

According to Poja Labs on the 14th, Sony Music posted a notice on its official website on the 16th of last month, stating that its music tracks and various intellectual properties should not be used without permission. On the same day, NBC in the United States reported, "Sony Music Group sent letters to over 700 global AI companies and music streaming platforms."

Poja Labs received the letter from Sony Music on the 24th of last month and sent a reply expressing their position about 20 days later. CEO Huh explained, "Poja Labs developed a music generation AI model using an exclusive MIDI (electronic instrument) dataset created by a team of 30 in-house composers," emphasizing, "We do not use any external music sources for music generation."

He added, "We deeply respect the intellectual property rights of all stakeholders in the music industry and music creators," and "We have adhered to this approach since the company's founding."

Furthermore, he stated, "We strongly oppose the use of music without resolved copyrights for AI training," calling it "a serious affront to the creative efforts of music creators and stakeholders." He continued, "Poja Labs operates under the strictest ethical standards regarding the use of AI training data."

Additionally, CEO Huh welcomed Sony Music Group's visit to Poja Labs' Seoul office, saying, "We would like to explain how we generate AI music."

He extended a hand to jointly explore ways to innovate through AI technology while respecting the artistry and intellectual property of music creators. He said, "If there is interest in developing artist-specific music generation models, we would like to discuss jointly developing AI music generation models."

Finally, he emphasized, "We will do our best to ensure the ethical use of training data," and "We will continue to strive to create synergy among music industry stakeholders and music creators."