Labels created two markers: "AI" and "ai". The difference is huge

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) announced in July 2026 that they want to implement a system for marking tracks created with artificial intelligence, alongside Spotify and Apple Music. The proposal introduces two distinct markers to separate two completely different scenarios.

"AI" versus "ai"

The first marker is "AI" in capital letters on a black background. It applies to tracks built entirely by a model based on a text prompt, or those where the lead vocal was synthesized by machine or key instrument tracks were generated. The second is "ai" in lowercase, black on white, for songs created mostly by humans but using AI assistance at specific stages. The system works like existing adult content warnings: the marker appears on the track page, and artists, labels, and distributors fill in the data themselves. For now, the markers do not cover lyrics, compositions, music videos, or cover art. The Recording Academy, the actors' and presenters' union SAG-AFTRA, the Human Artistry Campaign, and the independent labels association A2IM have also joined the project. This broad coalition signals that the industry prefers to set the standard itself before regulators do.

Sony counts percentages

Simultaneously, the majors are developing evidentiary tools. Sony Group has developed technology that can identify which copyrighted music was used to create an AI-generated track. The system goes beyond a simple yes or no. It estimates the contribution of individual works, for example stating that a track uses 30 percent Beatles music and 10 percent Queen. If the model developer agrees to cooperate, Sony accesses data from its underlying system. If the developer refuses, the technology compares the generated track with existing music to estimate the shares. The goal is a mechanism where revenue from AI music is split among original authors proportionally to their contribution. The technology was developed at Sony AI, the group's research unit, and its description was accepted at an international scientific conference. The same team developed a method to block models from imitating the style of anime characters, such as those from Studio Ghibli. The solution can also be applied to video, games, and characters. Sony notes that it has not yet decided whether to deploy it.

In Japan, music rights are divided: composers, publishers, and performers hold rights, while recording producers hold them separately. Sony Group controls major labels and publishers, including half of Michael Jackson's catalogue. It has not only the technology but also a financial interest in ensuring the accounting works.