ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus Advocates for Artist Rights in AI Training at UN Summit: “Creators Deserve a Place at the Table”

Björn Ulvaeus, a member of ABBA and president of CISAC, addressed the United Nations’ AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva on July 13, raising critical questions about the implications of artificial intelligence for artists. He emphasized the need for creators to be included in discussions about AI technologies that utilize their work.

Keynote Highlights

Ulvaeus opened the summit with a poignant inquiry: “Good for whom?” He urged attendees to consider the perspectives of artists and creatives in the ongoing development of AI. He articulated that technology should benefit those whose contributions made it possible, asserting that artists must not be overlooked in this evolving landscape.

He stated, “A technology is good when the human beings whose work made it possible are not erased by it, when they consent to it, when they share in what it creates.” Ulvaeus expressed hope that a seat at the table would always be reserved for creators in discussions about AI’s future.

The Role of Consent

Consent emerged as a central theme in Ulvaeus’ address. He reflected on ABBA’s innovative use of technology in their London show, ABBA Voyage, which employs motion capture and machine learning to recreate performances. He clarified that the band willingly engaged with this technology, stating, “The answer is one word: consent. We chose it. We participated in it. We are paid for it.”

Ulvaeus acknowledged the extraordinary capabilities of AI but cautioned against equating technological advancement with artistic value. He noted, “I’m not going to stand here and tell you that machine-made music is cold or soulless, and that audiences will always hear the difference. I know that isn’t true.”

Creatives as Partners

Ulvaeus argued that the work of artists is foundational to AI technologies. He asserted that creatives should be viewed as partners rather than obstacles. “Partners deserve a place at the table. Partners deserve a share of the harvest,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the contributions of artists in AI development.

He further elaborated that the focus should not be on tracing outputs but rather on the training data that informs AI models. “Our works went in. We should be paid for what went in, not for every output that comes out the other end,” he explained.

Framework for Fair Compensation

Ulvaeus proposed a model for compensating artists based on the framework established by streaming services like Spotify. He suggested that a percentage of AI subscription revenues could be allocated to creators whose work has contributed to training these systems. “The infrastructure already exists,” he noted, advocating for collective management of these revenues.

His remarks come amid growing concerns within the creative community regarding AI training and consent. Reports indicate that some music labels may be leveraging existing contracts to utilize artists’ works for AI training without explicit approval.

Legal and Ethical Implications

The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) recently filed a lawsuit against major labels, alleging that they have licensed recordings without compensating the artists involved. This legal action highlights the urgent need for transparent agreements regarding the use of artists’ work in AI technologies.

In a broader context, Ulvaeus’ address aligns with the sentiments expressed by various music rights organizations, which have called for fair treatment of artists in AI licensing deals. The collective voice of these organizations underscores the necessity of addressing the ethical implications of AI in the music industry.

Conclusion

The UN’s AI for Good Global Summit also featured prominent figures from the music industry, including John Legend and executives from major tech companies. Their discussions echoed Ulvaeus’ call for policies that protect creators’ rights in the age of AI.

As reported by www.billboard.com.

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Published on 2026-07-14 02:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk