Gene Simmons Calls for A.I. Regulation
KISS frontman Gene Simmons isn’t just rocking out; he’s fighting for the future of music. Speaking before a Senate panel, Simmons passionately supported the American Music Fairness Act, emphasizing the need for regulation in the rapidly evolving world of A.I. in music.
“A.I. is a concern if left unregulated,” Simmons declared. He’s not mincing words. He pointed out that a fictional country music artist recently topped the charts, raising serious questions about authenticity and ownership. “The government must get a federal law that encompasses all of A.I. to get some sanity out of this,” he asserted. Simmons highlighted the absurdity of creators possibly opting for A.I. production in tax-friendly Delaware instead of producing genuine art in New York.
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He urged for a nationwide law that covers the entire country, pointing out the international implications. “This is an issue for the UN to get a world body to accept it,” he said, stressing the importance of defining rules about income streams and intellectual property rights. “Who owns the I.P.? Who’s the owner of the trademark?” These are crucial questions that need answers.
Simmons didn’t stop at A.I. He also championed the American Music Fairness Act, which aims to ensure artists receive proper compensation when their music is played on AM/FM radio. He testified alongside Michael Huppe, the president and CEO of SoundExchange, a nonprofit organization that’s been at the forefront of this fight. Huppe’s been advocating for legislation that would require radio stations to pay performers – a point that’s long overdue.
“Having spent my career in the music and entertainment industry, I understand the vital importance of this issue,” Simmons said. He’s not just another celebrity spouting off; he’s a seasoned professional who knows what’s at stake for countless recording artists.
His call to action? Meet with both Republican and Democratic Senators to push this legislation forward. “I look forward to discussing why this legislation is crucial for thousands of present and future American recording artists,” he said. It’s about time someone took a stand.
The fight for fair compensation and regulation in the face of advancing technology is only beginning. This isn’t just about music; it’s about the very essence of creativity in an age where artificial intelligence threatens to undermine the authenticity that artists work hard to create. The entire industry needs to wake up and figure this out.
To delve deeper into Simmons’ advocacy and the ongoing efforts for fair compensation in music, check out the musicFIRST Coalition’s updates on their website.
Learn more at The Hill.
