ASCAP has submitted new comments to the Copyright Office regarding artificial intelligence, addressing arguments from AI companies like Anthropic and focusing on three key areas of concern.

ASCAP's latest submission emphasizes three main points:

1. Direct Voluntary Licensing

• Emphasizes the importance of proper licensing for creators
• Disputes claims that licensing is impractical for AI training
• Cites Boomy as an example of successful AI development using properly licensed materials

2. AI's Unique Threat to Human Creativity

• Unlike previous technologies (sound mixing, autotune), AI can generate content autonomously
• Creates high-quality content at scale and instantaneously
• Poses a real threat to creators' livelihoods
• Needs careful balance between innovation and protecting human creators

3. Enhanced Federal Right of Publicity

• Calls for stronger federal protection against unauthorized use of creators' likeness
• Current state laws deemed inadequate for AI challenges
• Supports initiatives like the No Fakes Act
• Addresses unauthorized use of artists' image, likeness, and voice

The No Fakes Act, introduced in October, would establish penalties for unauthorized "digital replicas" of sound recording artists. The bill defines these as computer-generated content that's "nearly indistinguishable" from the original artist's image, voice, or visual likeness.

Challenges remain in implementing such legislation, particularly regarding AI-generated voices that naturally resemble existing artists and questions about training data accessibility.

Note: ASCAP specifically requested the term "direct voluntary licensing" rather than "direct licensing" to ensure accuracy in describing their position.

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