Spotify is partnering with record labels to create artist-first AI music products.

Spotify on Thursday announced a series of deals with major labels to develop new artificial intelligence products designed to ensure fair compensation and put artists and songwriters at the center of the experience. Working with Sony, Universal, Warner and Merlin, the streamer said it will develop “responsible AI” products that not only respect copyright, but also allow artists to choose whether they want to allow AI tools to be used.

The company didn’t delve into the details of how the new tools will work, but the company already offers productive AI experiences for users, including with AI DJ playing a personalized selection of songs and others that allow users to request playlists using AI prompts, for example.

Spotify was recently criticized for allowing one The band’s music created by AI to go viral in its service, raising questions about whether the future of music would push human artistry to the side.

Last month, the company revamped its AI policy to crack down on spam, particularly users who upload AI content on a massive scale, create duplicates, and manipulate search and recommendation systems. Spotify also said it would adopt the DDEX music tagging system to tag when AI was used as part of the music creation process.

The upcoming GenAI features follow through on this promise, allowing artists to choose to use AI tools if they choose. Presumably, the upcoming system will allow artists to recognize when their music is used in AI-generated tracks and collect some kind of payment. Spotify notes that the system will expand beyond artists to include other rights holders and distributors over time.

“Some voices in the tech industry believe copyright should be abolished. We haven’t. Musicians’ rights matter. Copyright is necessary,” Spotify shared in its statement. “If the music industry doesn’t lead now, AI-based innovation will happen elsewhere, without rights, consent or compensation. Together with rights holders, artists and songwriters, we’re making significant investments in research and development of AI products,” he said.

In addition, Spotify said it has begun building a productive AI research lab and product team focused on developing new technologies that reflect its principles that artists should be able to choose whether and how they participate in the AI ​​music ecosystem. He says work on the first products has already begun and more tools will be on the way.