SOCAN welcomes the recognition of AI output transparency as a core principle in the Government of Canada’s National AI Strategy (the “Strategy”). At a moment of once in a generation technological change, it is vital that Canada’s laws be updated to ensure music creators’ rights are protected, including by requiring the labelling and identification of AI-generated content.
However, we recognize that this is just a first step in adapting Canada’s legal framework to address AI technology’s impact on the cultural sector. Further action is needed to stop the theft of copyright-protected music in Canada. We urge the Government of Canada to enact meaningful input transparency laws without delay, specifically to require AI companies to track and disclose what songs and compositions are used in the training of their models. Without this basic obligation, music creators do not know how or when their music is being used to power AI generation technology, and are left fighting to obtain fair compensation.
SOCAN will continue to engage constructively with the federal government on behalf of our over 200,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers who are our direct members. We are focused on ensuring that Canada’s approach to artificial intelligence supports a strong and sustainable cultural ecosystem. As Canada shapes its AI future, it is essential that music creators and publishers are not left behind.