Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge has voiced his concerns about the UK's proposed AI regulations in a recent Times column, specifically addressing the debate over an 'opt-out' system for rightsholders.

The proposed UK law would allow AI developers to train their models on protected works unless artists and rightsholders explicitly opt out. This has sparked significant opposition across creative industries.

In his column, Grainge emphasized three key points:

• The fundamental importance of human creativity in music
• The music industry's proven adaptability to technological change
• The UK's position as a leader in creative industries

Grainge warned about potential consequences if leaders fail to establish "reasonable public safeguards" at the intersection of AI and intellectual property. He stressed that while "AI will transform society," the direction of that transformation depends on collaboration between "governments, industries and creators" to ensure responsible AI development.

Key challenges facing AI regulation in music:

• Global enforcement difficulties, as AI developers can operate from countries with weak IP protections
• Growing sophistication of soundalike AIs despite current takedown efforts
• Potential complications from legally trained music AI systems

This debate occurs amid broader discussions about AI's role in creative industries and multiple ongoing legal cases regarding AI training and copyright protection. The outcome could significantly impact how AI technology interacts with protected creative works in the future.

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