IPRA warns YouTube channels over AI remakes of Fijian songs

Fiji’s music rights body is drawing the line on Artificial Intelligence (AI), warning YouTube channels and content creators to stop using AI to remake or imitate local songs without permission.

The Fiji Performing Rights Association (FIPRA) said it was already taking action against unauthorised AI-generated versions of music belonging to Fijian composers, songwriters and musicians.

FIPRA chairman Isireli Gumatua said the association would continue seeking the removal of AI-generated remakes, adaptations and reproductions from YouTube and other online platforms where they breached the rights of its members.

He said FIPRA was increasingly seeing original Fijian music transformed through AI and uploaded online without the permission of the original creators.

Mr Gumatua said the issue was bigger than music rights because Fijian music carried the country’s identity, culture, language and heritage.

“Our music is our identity. Our language is our heritage. Our creativity belongs to our people,” he said.

FIPRA has already received requests from some YouTube channels seeking to have their content or channels restored after takedown action.

Mr Gumatua stressed that FIPRA was not against AI or new technology but warned that innovation must not come at the expense of local creators’ rights, identity and livelihoods.

He issued a direct warning to individuals, YouTube channels and other digital content creators using AI to reproduce, alter, imitate or remake music belonging to FIPRA members without authorisation.

“Please remove the content immediately. Do not wait for FIPRA to take enforcement action,” he said.

FIPRA said it would continue monitoring the use of its members’ works online and take necessary steps to protect original Fijian music and the rights of local creators.

The association said its fight was not against technology but against the unauthorised use of music created by Fijians.

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