In a groundbreaking move that hits all the right notes, ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN have announced a new era for songwriters and composers: each organization will now accept registrations of partially AI-generated musical works. This united policy marks a turning point in how music creators and performance rights organizations approach artificial intelligence, embracing its potential while keeping human creativity at the heart of it all.
The alignment among the three major North American PROs reflects today’s evolving creative landscape, where artists increasingly use AI tools as part of their songwriting and production process. These new policies will allow works that blend human and AI contributions to be officially registered and included in the societies’ repertories, ensuring that songwriters remain recognized and compensated. However, compositions created entirely by AI remain ineligible.
“Songwriters and composers have always experimented with innovative tools as part of their creative process, and AI is no exception,” said Elizabeth Matthews, CEO of ASCAP. “We are clarifying our registration policy to now welcome partially AI-generated musical works because we believe AI can be a powerful tool for our members, as long as the law puts humans first and technology companies play fair and respect the rights of creators.” BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill added, “This is an important first step in protecting human creativity as AI technologies evolve, while supporting the songwriters and composers who choose to use AI as a tool to enhance their creative process.”
SOCAN CEO Jennifer Brown echoed their sentiments, emphasizing the balance between innovation and integrity: “This alignment creates a legal and ethical path forward for AI in music. It recognizes that music creators are embracing new tools, while reinforcing our commitment to what matters most: respect for their work and the protection of human creativity.” Together, these organizations are sending a powerful message that the future of music can embrace technology—without losing its humanity.