Suno is a generative AI that operates by using a single sentence input to generate full songs, effectively giving each user the ability to become a composer without requiring prior musical training or expertise. Microsoft has announced a new partnership with Suno, bringing song creating AI to the company's Copilot chatbot, previously known as Bing Chat.
To engage with the new music creation capability, users start by launching Microsoft Edge, visiting Copilot.Microsoft.com, and signing in with their Microsoft account. From there, they can activate the Suno plugin or click on the Suno logo, prompting Suno to commence the music creation process.
Legal and Ethical Concerns Amid Innovation
While the new feature marks a technological advancement, it raises significant ethical and legal concerns, particularly related to copyright and fair use. AI algorithms customarily train on wide-ranging existing music, which poses controversial questions when an artist's work is utilized without explicit consent or compensation. Notably, stability AI's former generative AI audio lead resigned, citing exploitation of creators within the field.
The Grammys have already made a statement by excluding fully AI-generated songs from award consideration, highlighting the industry's apprehension towards this emerging technology. Nonetheless, various generative AI music tools—including Suno—assert that they endeavor to be compliant with copyright laws by preventing prompt requests that closely mimic specific artists or song uploads meant to create derivative covers.
As the debate continues and more artists express discomfort with the use of their styles in AI music generation, technology companies and legislators are being pushed toward clearer legal frameworks to address these uncertainties. A bill recently introduced in the Senate aims to provide artists with legal recourse when their digital likenesses or styles are used without authorization. As the implementation of generative AI in music gains traction, the resolution of these legalities becomes all the more critical.
