Horus Music, a global DIY music distribution, publishing, and label services company, has announced the introduction of a new client policy on artificial intelligence (AI) in music creation.
This initiative positions Horus Music as one of the first companies in the music distribution services sector to formally outline its stance on AI-generated content in music. The company handles large volumes of music submissions from independent artists worldwide and with thousands of new songs going live on digital platforms worldwide, Horus Music has recognised a responsibility to address growing concerns around AI-generated music. By setting clear guidelines now, the company aims to reassure artists and partners amid an industry debate about the role of AI in creative processes.
Defining AI-Assisted vs Fully AI-Generated Music:
Horus Music’s new AI policy draws a clear distinction between AI-assisted music and fully AI-generated music in terms of what the company will accept for distribution and publishing.
AI-Assisted Music: Refers to tracks where human creators use AI as a tool in the creative process. Because these works still involve meaningful human originality, they are considered eligible for copyright protection. Horus Music will continue to accept AI-assisted songs from clients for music distribution and publishing, so long as the use of AI is closed and the artist has the rights to any AI tools used (for example, noting AI-generated elements in the metadata and ensuring proper licenses are in place).
Fully AI-Generated Music: Refers to tracks created entirely by an AI without substantive human input. Under current guidelines, works created solely by generative AI, with no human creative contribution, do not qualify for copyright protection. As a result, for music distribution Horus Music’s policy is to accept AI-generated music for delivery to platforms, however, these tracks will not be sent to content ID services. Regarding music publishing, Horus Music will not accept any fully AI-generated. This stance is aimed at avoiding potential copyright and ownership disputes that could arise from music with no clear human author.
The policy also explicitly prohibits submissions that misuse AI in ways that infringe on others’ rights, such as deepfake music or tracks that mimic artists’ voices without permission. By delineating these rules, Horus Music aims to encourage innovative use of AI while protecting the integrity of artists’ work and the rights of creators.
A Flexible Approach as Industry Standards Emerge:
Recognising that the intersection of AI and music is rapidly developing, Horus Music has designed its AI policy to be flexible and responsive. The company views the current guidelines as a starting framework that will likely adapt as governments, digital service providers (DSPs) and industry bodies establish their own standards around AI-generated content.
Many major streaming platforms and music organisations are still determining how to handle AI-created works, and some already limit or reject fully AI-generated material. Horus Music’s policy will evolve in tandem with these broader industry changes. For example, if a leading streaming service or collection society updates its rules on AI content, Horus Music will review and adjust its own policy accordingly. The overarching goal is to support artists in exploring new technologies like AI without unintended legal or financial consequences. Horus Music emphasises that it will continue to champion artist creativity and rights as the role of AI in music evolves, ensuring that any future changes to the policy keep clients’ best interests at heart.
