Representing the rights and interests of featured artists in the music industry

“Where words fail, music speaks”

– Hans Christensen Anderson

IAO is the umbrella association for national organisations representing the rights and interests of featured artists in the music industry.

Our principal interests are transparency, the protection of intellectual property and a fair reflection of the value an artist’s work generates.

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Summary of the Joint Statement on the Third Draft of the EU AI Act’s GPAI Code of Practice

Mar 28, 2025

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

Mar 20, 2025

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

Feb 27, 2025

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:...

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IAO Music

5 days ago

Summary of the Joint Statement on the Third Draft of the EU AI Act’s GPAI Code of PracticeA 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, and disregards the intentions of EU legislators.Our key Concerns:Weakens Copyright Protection – The draft fails to ensure that GPAI providers comply with EU copyright law, reducing their responsibility to conduct due diligence and prevent copyright infringements.Lack of Transparency – It removes the requirement for GPAI providers to disclose compliance with copyright reservations and only recognizes robots.txt as a method for rightsholders to reserve their rights, ignoring more comprehensive solutions.Ineffective Enforcement Mechanisms – The proposed copyright complaints process lacks concrete measures for resolution, making it an empty gesture.Contradicts EU Law – The draft misinterprets copyright laws, particularly regarding lawful access to content and right reservation mechanisms.Fails to Ensure Responsible AI Development – Instead of protecting creative industries, it sets a low compliance bar, increasing risks of copyright infringement and harming EU’s cultural sector.The coalition asserts that the third draft is unacceptable and should not be approved without major improvements. If left unchanged, no Code would be better than this flawed version. They call for stronger measures ensuring AI developers respect copyright law, provide transparency, and uphold EU legislation.The statement is supported by a wide range of organizations representing authors, performers, journalists, musicians, publishers, and the audiovisual industry across Europe.The signatories conclude that no Code at all would be preferable to the fundamentally flawed third draft. They call for substantial revisions before adoption.List of SignatoriesThe statement is endorsed by a wide range of organizations representing authors, performers, and other creative professionals across various sectors, including:AAPA (Audiovisual Anti-Piracy Alliance)AEPO-ARTIS (European Performers' Collective Management Organizations)BIEM (International Organization of Mechanical Rights Societies)CEATL (European Council of Literary Translators' Associations)CEPI (European Audiovisual Production Association)CEPIC (Picture Libraries and Agencies)CISAC (International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers)EANA (European Alliance of News Agencies)ECSA (European Composer and Songwriter Alliance)EFJ (European Federation of Journalists)EGAIR (European Guild for AI Regulation)EMMA (European Magazine Media Association)ENPA (European Newspaper Publishers’ Association)EPC (European Producers Club & European Publishers Council)EUROCINEMA (Association of Film and Audiovisual Producers)EVA (European Visual Artists)EWC (European Writers’ Council)FEP (Federation of European Publishers)FERA (Federation of European Screen Directors)FIA (International Federation of Actors)FIAPF (International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations)FIM (International Federation of Musicians)FSE (Federation of Screenwriters in Europe)GESAC (European Grouping of Societies of Authors and Composers)IAO (International Artist Organisation)ICMP (Global Trade Body for Music Publishing)IFJ (International Federation of Journalists)IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry)IFRRO (International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations)IMPALA (European Association of Independent Music Companies)IMPF (Global Trade & Advocacy Body for Independent Music Publishers)IVF (International Video Federation)News Media EuropeSAA (Society of Audiovisual Authors)STM (Global Trade Association for Academic and Professional Publishers)UNI MEI (Union for Media, Entertainment, and Arts Workers)UVA (United Voice Artists)These organizations collectively represent millions of authors, performers, musicians, journalists, filmmakers, publishers, and other creatives across Europe, advocating for stronger protections against AI-related copyright infringements.Read the full statement below: ... See MoreSee Less

Summary of the Joint Statement on the Third Draft of the EU AI Act’s GPAI Code of Practice - IAO Music

www.iaomusic.org

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 ...

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The IAO provides an international voice to protect and promote the rights and interests of professional music artists, also known as 'Featured Artists'

IAO (International Artist Organisation) @iaomusicartists ·

31 Jan

We urge Spotify to address the problems listed in Lis Pelly’s book ”Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist” and join us in building a sustainable music industry!

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IAO (International Artist Organisation) @iaomusicartists ·

13 Dec

IAO Welcomes Commissioner Micallef!
Today, IAO and 60 European music organizations welcome Commissioner Micallef urging continued support for music as Europe’s diversity, culture, and economy. Let’s make music central to Europe’s cultural future!
https://www.iaomusic.org/iao-welcomes-commissioner-micallef/

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IAO (International Artist Organisation) @iaomusicartists ·

12 Dec

Level the Playing Field for European Artists!
European artists face unfair financial burdens when touring, while US artists enjoy generous exemptions.
IAO and EMMA, IMPALA, FIM, EMEE, Live DMA, and Liveurope call on the EU https://www.iaomusic.org/level-the-playing-field-for-european-artists/

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IAO (International Artist Organisation) @iaomusicartists ·

13 Nov

ARTISTS ENCOURAGED TO SPREAD REPORT TO EXPOSE THEIR HARSH REALITY
In a webinar the report Streams and Dreams 2 was presented, and it's clear how important it is to raise awareness of how bad the situation still is for artists today. Link below
https://www.iaomusic.org/streams-dreams-webinar

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