Big music wants a cut of AI: Taylor Swift’s label negotiating with robot DJs

Universal, Warner, and Sony are in talks with AI startups Suno and Udio to get paid when their artists' music trains AI models. Because even robots need to pay royalties. The labels want YouTube-style tracking to know when AI uses Drake or Taylor Swift's work, plus a say in how AI music products develop. They're also demanding artist opt-out options for those who don't want robots remixing their hits.

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This comes after the recording industry sued both startups for copyright infringement. Now they're settling out of court with licensing deals and likely equity stakes. Trump's recent firing of the Copyright Office Director has labels worried the White House might favor tech over artists' rights.