IRMA warns of AI threat to €1 billion Irish music industry

The Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA) is calling for an "ethical AI framework to protect the €1 billion Irish music industry."

“Irish music is a global success story, with real social, cultural and economic value," reflects IRMA's David Kitching. "AI has the potential to create new opportunities, but it must operate within a framework that respects the law and values human creativity. If we fail to enforce copyright protections in the AI era, we risk undermining a sector worth €1 billion annually and the thousands of livelihoods it supports. Legislators have a critical role in ensuring innovation and creativity can thrive side by side.”

Earlier this week, IRMA hosted a briefing for members of the Oireachtas that was "focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence in the music sector. The presentation highlighted the potential for AI to be a powerful and transformative tool for creativity and growth, while warning that without safeguards and enforcement of laws governing its usage, its misuse poses serious risks to artists, consumers and the wider economy."

To demonstrate the dangers of AI, a live deepfake image of Wicklow-Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne was generated with his prior consent.

"The demonstration highlighted the potential misuse of such technology in both the music industry and political life and the possibilities of its ethical and lawful use," IRMA reflects.

At the meeting, IRMA also called on legislators to address the following as a matter of urgency:

Full and robust enforcement of copyright and intellectual property law

Clear rules governing the lawful use of copyrighted works in AI training

Transparency and accountability from AI developers

A commercial licensing market that guarantees fair remuneration for creators

According to IRMA research: "The average adult in Ireland spends close to €800 per year on music across streaming, physical formats, merchandise and live events. This economic activity sustain thousands of jobs across live performance, production, hospitality and the wider night-time sector."