Music Canada CMW 2024 Keynote: Industry State of Play
At Canadian Music Week,Music Canada CEO Patrick rogers delivered a critical keynote address,dissecting the music industry’s complex relationship with generative AI and the evolving landscape shaped by the Online Streaming Act. He underscored the importance of safeguarding music copyright in the age of AI and the urgent need to combat the dangers of deepfakes. Rogers declared that using songs to train AI is copyright infringement, emphasizing that creators deserve credit and compensation.
He also champions legislation to protect against impersonation in the digital realm,ensuring publicity rights for all. Regarding the Online Streaming act, Rogers advocates for a thoughtful regulatory approach. News Directory 3 is tracking these developments. Discover what’s next as Music Canada works with politicians and the CRTC.
Music Canada CEO Addresses AI, Online Streaming Act at Canadian Music Week
Updated June 06, 2025
patrick Rogers, CEO of Music Canada, opened Canadian Music Week with a keynote address focusing on the industry’s response too generative AI and the implementation of the Online Streaming Act. Rogers emphasized the need to protect copyright in the age of AI and to address the dangers of deepfakes.
Rogers argued that using songs to train AI constitutes copyright infringement. He stated that copyright protects the value of art and that creators deserve credit, compensation, and consent for the use of their work. He added that AI systems aren’t creating anything truly new, and only humans can do that.
The CEO also raised concerns about the increasing threat of deepfakes, calling it a societal issue that requires immediate attention. He advocated for extending existing laws against impersonation in the analog world to the digital realm, ensuring that all Canadians have publicity rights protecting their name, image, and likeness.
Turning to the Online Streaming Act, Rogers stressed the importance of a well-considered regulatory process.He cautioned against simply applying old radio rules to the global digital economy, emphasizing the need to understand how Canadians listen to music and how artists benefit from streaming. He noted the contributions of digital platforms and major labels to the Canadian music industry.
Our industry is an early adopter of AI and we’re excited about what AI can bring to Human Creative expression. But we need credit, compensation and consent.
Patrick Rogers, CEO, Music Canada
What’s next
Music Canada plans to continue working with politicians on deepfake legislation and will actively participate in the CRTC’s consultations regarding the Online Streaming Act, advocating for a system that supports Canadian artists in the global market.