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IAO raise major concerns regarding UMG being allowed to strengthen its dominance in the music industry
The International Artists Organisation (IAO), representing featured artists across Europe and internationally, acknowledges the European Commission’s decision in the UMG/Downtown case. We recognise the significance of the Commission’s detailed Phase II investigation...
European music organisations call on the EU to prioritise investment in music within AgoraEU 2028–2034
European music organisations call on the EU to prioritise investment in music within AgoraEU 2028–2034, recognising its major cultural, social and economic value. Dedicated, well-funded sectoral support is essential to safeguard artistic freedom, diversity and fair...
President of International Artist Organisation, IAO, writes a letter of concern to Commissioner Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity
UMG is simultaneously settling an AI copyright case with Udio and trying to acquire Downtown, a major music-services group. The president of the IAO warns that these moves would give UMG excessive control over distribution, streaming, royalties, and emerging AI...
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IAO Statement on AI Licensing, Equity Stakes, and Market Distortion by Major Labels
IAO (International Artist Organisation) expresses deep concern over recent reports that major record labels are negotiating licensing agreements with generative AI music companies, such as Suno and Udio, which include not only royalty terms but also demands for equity...
AI: Stay true to the Act
The third draft of the GPAI Code of Practice undermines the objectives of the AI Act, contravenes EU law and ignores the intention of the EU legislator – we cannot support it.
Open joint letter on AI to the attention of Ministers of Culture of the EU ahead of the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council on 12-13 May 2025
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European Commission’s new study on contractual practices
We are proud to ascertain that the European Commission’s new study on contractual practices affecting authors and performers makes multiple references to Streams and Dreams Part 2, IAO’s groundbreaking report on the realities artists face in the streaming economy....
IAO warns about UMG acquisition strategy threatening diversity
As a voice for performers and featured artists across Europe, we at the International Artist Organisation (IAO) are deeply concerned about UMG’s accelerating acquisition strategy — consolidating control over distribution, publishing, and artist services. This isn’t...
Summary of the Joint Statement on the Third Draft of the EU AI Act’s GPAI Code of Practice
A coalition of authors, performers, and other rightsholders across the EU's cultural and creative sectors strongly opposes the third draft of the General-Purpose AI (GPAI) Code of Practice, arguing that it undermines the objectives of the AI Act, contravenes EU law,...
IMARA: A New Global Voice for Performers
IMARA is a new global umbrella organization exclusively for music performers, created to strengthen their rights and advocacy worldwide. IMARA focuses solely on music performers, ensuring a clearer, stronger voice in the digital economy and international negotiations....
IAO’s Response to the UK IPO AI Consultation
We have responded to the UK consultation on copyright and artificial intelligence. We argue that AI poses a serious threat to artists’ rights and that the proposed measures do not provide sufficient protection or fair compensation. Here is the essence of our response:...
Joint letter to EU Commissioners Virkkunen and Micallef
The AI OIice is currently tasked with the critical responsibility of successfully finalising
the ‘General-Purpose AI Code of Practice’ by May 2025.
IAO Welcomes Commissioner Micallef!
Today, IAO and 60 European music organizations welcome Commissioner Micallef and urge continued support for music as a driver of Europe’s diversity, culture, and economy. Music is one of the pillars of our culture, and the European music ecosystem exemplifies the dual...