Spotify Adopts Artificial Intelligence in Podcast Translation
Following a ban on artificial intelligence-created songs, the primary music service currently seems to welcome the technology, permitting it in its library and utilizing it to expand podcasts’ international reach.
Spotify seems to be okay with artificial intelligence (AI). On Tuesday, the chief executive officer of the globe’s largest music streaming service, reversed a previous decision by claiming the firm would not prohibit AI-created music. This comes after a notice of podcasts translated using the technology, offering independent and commercial producers a means to access global markets.
Spotify Firm Stance on Music Created by Artificial Intelligence
Earlier this year, an artificial intelligence song titled ‘Heart on My Sleeve’ that copied The Weekend’s and Drake’s voices became popular on Spotify. Startup Ghostwriter used a neural network trained on the artists’ voices to create the track. Following the song’s online fame, Spotify eliminated it. This move adhered to their earlier ban on music made using AI and sought to evade public criticism or legal problems.
Afterward, the creator attempted to nominate the song to the Grammys. However, it was declined on the basis that artificial intelligence creations cannot be copyrighted.
During a recent interview, Daniel Ek, Spotify chief executive officer, claimed the firm has altered course and will embrace a ‘delicate strategy,’ stopping short of totally prohibiting artificial intelligence music. Despite the direct impersonation of artists without approval being impermissible, he claimed there exist legal utilizations of AI in music creation that must be permitted.
Ek admitted that it will be complicated, and the firm has a big team solving these kinds of problems.
Outside Music, Translated Podcasts are Imminent
Spotify is not only permitting artificial intelligence music. Soon, the music application will introduce a feature using AI to decode podcasts into various languages while reserving the speaker’s voice.
Via an official statement on September 25, Spotify said it was happy to experiment with Voice Translation for podcasts, a major feature backed by artificial intelligence that decodes podcasts into more languages, all in the podcaster’s voice.
The feature’s rollout will be gradual, with the firm starting with a selection of podcasts interpreted into Spanish. Afterward, German and French translations will follow.
Via Twitter, Lex Fridman, an AI researcher, supported the technology, claiming it would aid in ‘disclosing common humanity.’ He revealed a video where he spoke Spanish with a native tone despite failing to comprehend the language.
Case Against Artificial Intelligence in Art
Some artists outside the music industry doubt the growing role of artificial intelligence by claiming that it could affect creative professions. Some have vehemently opposed the technology, while others have taken matters to another level by filing lawsuits against AI firms due to the belief that the systems deceitfully duplicate their work during training. For instance, writers such as George R.R. Martin have opposed AI systems, for example, ChatGPT, building on their work without approval. Visual performers have also brought comparable cases against artificial intelligence image creators, for instance, Midjourney.
By integrating the creative potential of AI with the necessary precautions, Spotify intends to leverage new opportunities while evading legal drawbacks. However, Ek claims that this technology’s regulation while addressing concerns by artists is likely to be ‘challenging.’
Spotify is carefully welcoming more innovative artificial intelligence transformation and development. However, the current balancing act underscores persistent pressures concerning the growth of generative AI presence in the mainstream.
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