SMF, SAMI and Symf: “Our members’ music must not be freely used for AI training”

Today, Swedish musicians’ performances are being used to train generative AI systems – without consent, transparency or payment. This means musicians’ work is being exploited to produce new AI-generated content that often compete directly with the original artists.

SMF, SAMI and Symf are now jointly saying no. The three organisations state  that such use breaches copyright law and are issuing a collective opt-out: AI companies may not train their systems on musicians’ performances without explicit permission.

The organisations clarify that the development of generative AI is unlawful if carried out without the consent of those who created and performed the music. However, as many AI companies do not share this view, the organisations are now issuing a joint opt-out. This decision sends a clear message: musicians’ explicit consent is mandatory to train generative AI-models. Through this collective opt-out, the organisations aim to make both a legal and moral statement – that musicians’ work must be respected and valued, even by AI companies and within the emerging generative AI market.

“Using our members’ music without permission or compensation is unacceptable. It undermines the entire copyright system. We must protect musicians’ work, their livelihoods and their right to control how their performances are used,” says Jan Granvik, Chair of SAMI.

“For us, this is about respect for artistic practice and the right to control one’s own performances. Human integrity must remain central to all music – even when AI learns from it,” says Gunnar Jönsson, Chair of Symf.

This decision is not a rejection of technology. On the contrary, it is a way to restore balance – between innovation and accountability  between technological potential and cultural rights. In the long run, everyone benefits from a balanced market and a vibrant cultural sector.

“We welcome technological progress – but not at the expense of the people who actually create and perform the music. Development must occur under fair conditions, , to ensure a strong future for Swedish music. This is a necessary stance until legislation catches up,” says Karin Inde, Chair of SMF. The opt-out clarifies that musicians – in accordance with copyright law and the EU’s Digital Single Market  Directive – reserve the right to control reproduction of their works for text and data mining. The organisations see this as an important step but also stress the urgency of political action. To safeguard Sweden’s music industry, the country must ensure that musicians can earn a living in the new AI era.

The rservation for text and data mining purposes →

Q&A

What has been decided?

SMF, SAMI and Symf have issued a collective opt-out: AI companies are prohibited from training their systems on musicians’ performances without explicit permission. This opt-out clarifies that musicians – in line with copyright law and the EU’s DSM Directive – reserve the right to control reproduction of  their performances  for text and data mining.

Why are you doing this now?

To safeguard p our members’ performances as AI rapidly evolves and is widely used without consent or fair payment. Music is already being used to train generative AI systems that produce new music – directly competing with the original musicians. This undermines both copyright and the value of music.

Has AI training been permitted previously?

No. Using copyright protected music for AI training without permission has never been lawful. However, as many AI companies do not share this view, the organisations are now issuing a joint opt-out. This decision makes it clear that musicians’ explicit consent is mandatory for training generative AI.

What does the opt-out mean legally?

The opt-out means that the organisations and their members reserve the right to determine how the use of their performances for text and data mining (TDM) may occur.

In legal terms: The opt-out means that SMF, SAMI and Symf declare that they and their members, reserve the right to control reproductionof their performances for TDM in accordance with Chapter 2, Section 15a of the Swedish Copyright Act (1960:729) and Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/790 of the European Parliament and Council of 17 April on copyright and related rights in the Digital Single Market, amending Directives 96/9/EC and 2001/29/EC.

Does the decision apply to all music in Sweden?

It applies to performances by artists and musicians represented by SMF, SAMI and Symf. Stim has already issued a reservation regarding the rights managed by Stim.

Are you opposed to AI and technological development?

No – quite the opposite. We support innovation, but development must occur under lawful  and fair conditions. AI can offer new opportunities, but must not rely on the unauthorised use of protected material. Musicians’ work must be respected and fairly compensated, even in the new digital economy.

How does this affect international actors?

The reservation has legal effect within the EU, but also serves as a  moral and political signal globally.

What happens next?

The organisations see this decision as an important step but stress the need for urgent political action. To protect Sweden’s music industry, the country must ensure that artists and musicians can earn a living in the new AI era.

I don’t want to be part of the opt-out – what should I do?

Members who do not wish to be included in the opt-out can notify their respective organisations: medlem@sami.se, info@musikerforbundet.se, symf@symf.se