Universal Music Group and KLAY Announce Partnership to Develop Ethical AI Technology - 1

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Universal Music Group and KLAY Announce Partnership to Develop Ethical AI Technology

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

  • Both companies are focusing on developing AI ethical solutions for artists
  • They declared to be committed to respecting copyrights and building constructive dialogue with artists
  • KLAY is being led by music producer Ary Attie, Google DeepMind researcher Björn Winkler, and former President of Sony Music Entertainment Thomas Hesse

Universal Music Group and the AI music company KLAY Vision announced a new partnership to develop new AI tools with an ethical approach.

According to the press release , the companies are “committed to the premise that AI can bolster and grow musical creativity and human artistry.” The companies declared to share a similar vision of AI development with responsibility and building constructive dialogue with artists.

“We are excited to partner with entrepreneurs like the team leading KLAY, to explore new opportunities and ethical solutions for artists and the wider music ecosystem, advancing generative AI technology in ways that are both respectful of copyright and have the potential to profoundly impact human creativity,” said Michael Nash, Executive Vice President, and Chief Digital Officer of Universal Music.

The Los Angeles-based startup KLAY declared to be committed to serving songwriters, artists, and other rights holders in the industry. The company is being led by different executives including music producer Ary Attie, Google DeepMind researcher Björn Winkler, and former President of Sony Music Entertainment Thomas Hesse.

“Research is critical to building the foundations for AI music, but the tech is only an empty vessel when it doesn’t engage with the culture it is meant to serve,” said Ary Attie, founder and CEO of KLAY. “KLAY’s obsession is not just to showcase its research innovation but to make it invisible and mission-critical to people’s daily lives.”

Universal Music Group also announced a new partnership with Meta Platforms Inc. a few weeks ago to tackle AI music issues. However, not all relationships with other AI companies are friendly. According to Reuters, Universal is in litigation with multiple AI startups, including Anthropic, over the use of the label’s music to train AI models.

Google Invests $5.8 Million To Boost AI Skills In Sub-Saharan Africa - 2

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Google Invests $5.8 Million To Boost AI Skills In Sub-Saharan Africa

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

  • AI could add $30 billion to Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy by 2030.
  • Programs will teach AI skills to workers, teens, and non-profit leaders.
  • Google’s Nairobi and Accra centers drive local AI research and innovation.

Today, Google announced a $5.8 million investment aimed at accelerating AI skills development across Sub-Saharan Africa, intending to equip individuals and organizations with the tools to leverage AI for economic and social impact.

As connectivity continues to expand across Africa, AI presents vast opportunities for innovation and problem-solving. Africa’s ongoing digital transformation is opening doors for U.S. exports and services, increasing demand for technology solutions and driving productivity across industries, as reported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce .

Nature recently argued that AI has the potential to transform Africa by addressing local health and economic challenges.

Initiatives like Data Science Nigeria promote AI literacy, enabling youth and professionals to develop tailored solutions, such as a financial advice chatbot for women and AI-driven disease diagnostics for healthcare workers in rural areas, as noted by Nature.

Collaborations between African and international organizations enhance local expertise while focusing on region-specific needs. These efforts empower non-English-speaking populations and improve drug development by considering African genetics, said Nature.

Google’s recent Digital Opportunity of Africa report projects that AI could contribute as much as $30 billion to Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy by 2030.

The new funding will support multiple initiatives aimed at providing diverse groups with essential AI skills. These initiatives include programs to teach workers across industries how to use AI tools effectively and to educate teens on AI ethics and safety.

They also aim to help non-profits amplify their impact through foundational AI skills and equip government leaders with AI capabilities for policymaking and public service enhancement. The investment also includes a focus on fostering a responsible understanding of AI among Africa’s youth and community leaders.

Local AI projects like Kenya’s Jacaranda Health, which uses AI to deliver vital care to mothers and newborns via SMS, and AirQo’s air pollution monitoring initiative in Uganda, showcase how AI can address critical regional issues.

Google is supporting AI research at its centers in Accra, Ghana, and Nairobi, Kenya, which work on projects like mapping African buildings for urban planning and disaster relief.

Its recently launched Product Development Center in Nairobi is also creating tools tailored to Africa, such as voice search for local languages and low-bandwidth gaming platforms.

Google’s initiatives complement partnerships with governments, non-profits, and educational institutions across Africa. In Nigeria, for example, Google is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to nurture AI talent through technical training and startup support.

As nations establish their own AI policies, the technology is poised to significantly enhance lives across various sectors, fostering a competitive AI ecosystem.