Stay True To The Act Campaign Defends Music Rights
On July 21, 2025, a significant movement emerged as over 30 European musicians launched the Stay True To The Act campaign. This initiative aims to urge the European Commission to uphold the integrity of the EU AI Act, which addresses the intersection of technology and copyright in the music industry.
The Importance of Transparency
The campaign emphasizes the necessity for transparency in how artificial intelligence (AI) companies source their training data. Artists, including notable figures such as Spanish singer-songwriter Álex Ubago and Poland’s Eurovision 2025 entrant Justyna Steczkowska, have expressed their concerns regarding the unauthorized use of their creative works to train AI models. They are demanding the right to be informed about how their music is being utilized and the ability to refuse such usage.
Provisions of the EU AI Act
Passed in 2024, the EU AI Act includes provisions that mandate developers to disclose the content used for training AI systems. However, as the implementation of the Act progresses, artists are apprehensive that the law may be diluted, which could weaken protections for creators.
Call for Vigorous Enforcement
The Stay True To The Act campaign advocates for the robust enforcement of the Act’s original principles, which include:
- Transparency in AI training processes
- Copyright control for creators
- Fair innovation practices
Artists believe that AI and music can coexist harmoniously in Europe, but only if ethical boundaries are respected and maintained.
Conclusion
The Stay True To The Act campaign represents a crucial step towards safeguarding the rights of artists in an increasingly digital landscape. As the dialogue surrounding AI and creative rights evolves, the call for transparency and accountability remains at the forefront of this movement.
