This last week has been hectic, especially when looking at accountability and evolution for our sector. Courts are starting to weigh in on AI training ethics, platforms are rolling out premium and fan-first tools, and surveys are revealing how difficult it is for audiences to distinguish synthetic content from human creativity.
#1. GEMA Wins Copyright Case Against OpenAI
This was the highlight of the week: GEMA has won a major legal victory over OpenAI in a case centered on unlicensed use of copyrighted lyrics. A Hamburg court ruled that training large language models on protected musical content without authorization violates copyright law.
While OpenAI can appeal, the ruling sets an important precedent for how generative AI is handled in the European Union. It supports the view that training data matters and that music rights must be cleared before inclusion in foundational AI models.
#2. Deezer Survey Shows Listeners Cannot Tell AI from Human-Made Music
According to a new Ipsos survey commissioned by Deezer, 97% of listeners cannot consistently distinguish between human-made and fully AI-generated music.
Despite this, the survey shows strong demand for transparency, labeling, and fair compensation for artists. The findings support Deezer’s recent efforts to tag synthetic content and may increase pressure on other platforms to follow suit.
#3. Spotify Launches Supremium Subscription
Spotify has launched Supremium, its new higher-priced subscription tier, in India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the UAE. The plan includes lossless audio, expanded playlist control, and early access to features. With India being one of Spotify’s fastest-growing markets, the move signals an attempt to monetize superfans more directly. This is the first time Spotify has introduced Supremium at scale, and further expansion is expected in early 2026.
#4. Spotify and NMPA Partner on Audiovisual Licensing Framework
Spotify and the NMPA have reached a new agreement that sets up an audiovisual licensing framework. This will allow music publishers to receive payment for video content that uses their compositions on Spotify, including podcasts and future features. The deal represents a step forward in expanding royalty flows beyond audio and into multimedia formats.
#5. Amazon Music Launches Fan Groups for Community Engagement
Amazon Music has introduced Fan Groups, a new feature that allows users to form interactive communities around shared listening habits. Fans can post messages, follow curated recommendations, and participate in polls that influence playlist updates. The move positions Amazon Music as a more social platform and aligns with growing demand for fan-driven discovery.
