September 19, 2023 -- Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (D-NC)
introduced the Protect Working Musicians Act of 2023. This legislation
will give small independent artists and music creators the power to
collectively negotiate with both streaming platforms and generative
artificial intelligence (AI) developers for fair compensation.
Under current laws, small and independent musicians have little
ability to bargain for market value rates for the use of their music by
global streaming platforms, such as Spotify and Apple Music.
Instead, they are forced to accept whatever terms are offered by these
platforms, while also having almost no ability to engage with AI
companies who routinely scrape and use their music without permission or
consent.
This legislation allows independent artists to band together and
collectively negotiate with large streaming platforms and AI developers,
without the obstacles of antitrust laws.
“North Carolina has long been home to outstanding artists and a vibrant
music scene that plays a vital role in our state’s culture and economy,”
said Congresswoman Ross. “Working musicians and small independent
labels face urgent challenges to their livelihoods posed by the market
power of streaming platforms as well as the explosion of AI applications
that use their work without licensing or pay. This legislation will
help give small, independent music creators a level playing field,
empowering them to stand together for fairer compensation and giving
them a voice in important negotiations that will determine the future of
the music industry.”
Ross' legislation is referred to as the Protect Working Musicians Act.
