The Ethics of AI Generated Music

A Case Study on Suno AI

Abstract

At the crossroads of artificial intelligence (AI) and creative rights, the music industry is grappling with how to balance innovation and copyright protection. This paper examines Suno AI as a test case for Human-Centered AI (HCAI), investigating how generative music platforms may either support or undermine artistic expression. Drawing on recent court decisions, legal theory, and stakeholder perspectives, the analysis explores key issues such as fair use, the idea/expression distinction, and the evolving role of AI in creative fields. Building on HCAI scholarship by Shneiderman (2022), Capel and Brereton (2023), and Shroff (2024), the paper evaluates tensions between technologists promoting open innovation and artists advocating for stronger rights protections. Cases like Authors Guild v. Google and Andy Warhol Foundation v. Goldsmith highlight the difficulty of applying traditional legal frameworks to AI-generated content. To address these challenges, the paper proposes new policy tools, including standardized "likeness thresholds" to detect AI replication, transparency requirements for generative systems, and metadata tagging for copyright enforcement. As AI continues to reshape creative industries, this analysis offers a path toward regulation that supports both artistic integrity and technological progress. The findings aim to inform policymakers, AI developers, and creative professionals seeking a sustainable future for human and machine-made art.