SZA condemns AI training on tracks without permission

SZA condemns AI training on tracks without permission, highlighting the unauthorized use of recorded music to train artificial intelligence models and publicly denouncing that practice. She said she found 238 of her own tracks included in AI training datasets and notes reporting that more than 12 million tracks have been used unlawfully to train AI models.

SZA labeled certain industry actors “vultures” and urged musicians not to allow their creative work to be used to train AI, while asserting there is little legislative protection for artists against such exploitation. She also said streaming services and record labels are not protecting or advocating for artists.

SZA cited concerns about specific industry involvement, noting that a producer with equity in an AI startup has been accused of attempting to train the system on the work of Black writers and producers.

Reports have indicated that over 12 million music tracks have been unlawfully used to train artificial intelligence systems without the consent of the artists involved. The Atlantic’s AI Watchdog has highlighted this widespread use of creative works, which is a significant concern for musicians whose intellectual property is being exploited without authorization.

Among these tracks, SZA, a prominent musician, discovered that 238 of her own tracks had been included in these AI training datasets. This use of her music without permission raises important issues regarding the protection of artist rights and the need for clear legislative measures to address unauthorized uses of creative works in technological advancements.

SZA has made clear her criticism of the unauthorized use of music in artificial intelligence training, characterizing it as a significant violation against artists. She has highlighted that 238 of her own tracks have been used in AI training datasets without her consent, a situation that underscores a broader issue affecting countless musicians. SZA condemned the practice, stating that supporting such actions is morally wrong, particularly for fellow musicians, as reflected in her assertion, “If you’re a musician and you support this degenerate shit, you’re disgusting and there’s nothing you could ever say to me to make this okay.”

She also expressed concern over the lack of legislative protection that leaves artists vulnerable to such exploitation, noting that “we have no protection in legislature medical or creative – the easiest to steal from…” Additionally, SZA has labeled certain industry players as “vultures,” specifically criticizing individuals who leverage AI technology for gain at the expense of the original creators, urging musicians not to “train AI with your genius!” Her statements reflect a broader critique of the industry’s failure to safeguard artists’ rights.

SZA also touched upon the disproportionate influence and exploitation that Black musicians face, by remarking, “We make up 13% of the American population yet influence the world with our sound and perspective,” indicating a call to action for greater advocacy and protection within the music industry. She emphasized that it “hurts more that streaming services and our labels won’t protect or advocate for us,” suggesting a significant gap in support from entities that profit from their work. Amid these remarks, there is a clear call for stronger legislative support and ethical standards in the face of rapid technological advancements in AI.

It has been reported that Diplo has equity in the AI startup Suno and has been accused of training it on works by Black writers and producers. SZA stated, “I don’t know who needs to hear this but Diplo has equity in Suno and is actively attempting to train it on the best and brightest black minds of writers and producers.” The report presents this as a claim made in public remarks about industry practices. The reported connection between Diplo and the AI startup is presented within coverage of unauthorized AI use of recorded music.

Diplo has been quoted making statements about AI-generated voices, writing, “I don’t even need a voice any more – I can get the best voice from AI,” and “I don’t need anybody to sing the song any more.” Reporting notes that these statements indicate a preference for AI-generated voices over real singers. The quoted lines attribute a stated shift toward AI-generated vocals to Diplo’s public comments. Media coverage includes these quotes alongside reporting on concerns about unauthorized use of recorded music in AI training.

SZA addressed the impact and representation of Black musicians in America, noting their population share and cultural influence. She stated, “We make up 13% of the American population yet influence the world with our sound and perspective.”

SZA also spoke about the lack of legal safeguards for creators and said, “We have no protection in legislature medical or creative – the easiest to steal from…” She added that the absence of advocacy from major platforms and rights holders intensifies the problem, writing, “Hurts more that streaming services and our labels won’t protect or advocate for us. We mean nothing to anyone omg.”

SZA linked these concerns directly to unauthorized AI training practices and issued an explicit warning to fellow artists, declaring, “Do not train AI with your genius! Fuck these weird ass vultures.” She further addressed artists who support such practices, stating, “If you’re a musician and you support this degenerate shit, you’re disgusting and there’s nothing you could ever say to me to make this okay.” Her remarks included both statistical reference and direct appeals regarding representation, protection and industry conduct toward Black creators.

SZA condemned the unauthorized use of recorded music to train artificial intelligence models and publicly raised the issue after finding that 238 of her own tracks were included in AI training datasets. Reporting also indicated that more than 12 million tracks have been used without authorization to train AI systems.

SZA described certain industry figures involved in these practices as vultures and warned artists against allowing their work to be used to train AI models. She said there is little legislative protection for creators against such uses.

Coverage of the situation reported that Diplo has equity in the AI company Suno and that he has been accused of attempting to train AI systems on works by Black writers and producers. Diplo is quoted as praising AI-generated voices, stating he can get the best voice from AI and that he doesn’t need anybody to sing the song any more.

SZA emphasized concerns about representation, noting that Black musicians make up 13% of the US population yet exert significant cultural influence, and she reported that streaming services and record labels are not protecting or advocating for artists.

The remarks and reported figures have been presented in public statements and media coverage of AI training practices in music.