International Law and Efforts to Ensure Just Forms of AI in Music and Education

Abstract

Intellectual property (IP) is an issue of increasing concern to music educators, and the related notions of artistic freedom, cultural rights, creative originality, and copyright have rapidly become even more complex with the popular accessibility of artificial intelligence (AI). This chapter begins by identifying the core values that undergird efforts to establish legal protections for the musical expressions of both cultural groups and individual artistic creators, including concerns for freedom of expression, ownership, equity, and decolonization of artistic, legal, and educational spheres. This is followed by analysis of AI-related position statements produced by music- and education-related international organizations. Next is a survey of prominent cases that have set the most relevant precedents for music-related AI legal challenges and promise to shape policy and litigation for years into the future. This includes recent music copyright cases (e.g., Williams v. Gaye, 2018), AI creation cases (e.g., US v. Smith 2024, RIAA v. Suno, 2024), and initiatives to negotiate an international regulatory framework for AI development (e.g., Bletchley Declaration, Seoul Declaration for Safe, Innovative, and Inclusive AI). The chapter concludes with an overview of enduring debates and specific practical recommendations to empower music teachers in promoting appreciation for human creativity and cultural diversity, as well as critical digital literacy, ethical awareness, and legal compliance in music education.