Drake, Weeknd, and AI - Blockchain Helps Prove Music Provenance
“Heart on My Sleeve,” a track by music giants Drake and the Weeknd, went viral and racked up millions of plays across TikTok, Spotify, and YouTube before being taken down by streaming services last week because it was created by artificial intelligence (AI). The implications of this are far-reaching and just beginning to dawn on music and entertainment executives everywhere. We are indeed in a brave new world.
The convergence of AI, NFTs, and blockchain is one of the most exciting technological advancements right now. NFTs have the potential to be used as digital receipts and help fight digital identity fraud. AI can analyze the metadata of an NFT and verify its authenticity, ownership, and provenance. And all is immutable and stored on the blockchain.
Preventing AI-generated music fraud is a complex issue that is going to require a multifacted approach including education, technical measures, legal frameworks and collaboration between music industry stakeholders and technology providers.
Blockchain-based digital identity systems could help in preventing identity fraud and impersonation, which are common problems in the music industry and the broader entertainment industry. By creating a unique digital identity for each artist, label, and other entity involved in the music creation and distribution process, it becomes much more difficult for someone to impersonate another person or entity and claim credit for their work - even if created by AI.
Digital identity could help prevent AI from creating music using fake celebrities names and voices by providing a tamper-proof and transparent record of the actual creators of the music. When an AI algorithm creates a piece of music, the blockchain record can include information about the algorithm's identity, date and time of creation,and other relevant details. These identities can then be compared to establish provenance and eliminate fraud.
Verifying the digital identities of all parties involved in the music creation process on blockchain-based systems can help prevent identity fraud and protect the intellectual property rights of artists and creators.
Yes, it’s an exciting time to be alive to see where these new technologies will take us. However, great potential comes with great responsibility. It is important to ensure that these technologies are used in an ethical and responsible way, taking into consideration issues such as data privacy, security, and social impact.
I talk about all of this in my new book and how a whole new digital ecosystem is being created that promises to revolutionize everything from business to commerce to education in ways we could never even imagine.
The future is here, and it is up to us to shape it in a positive and responsible way.