Brussels, 2nd February 2024

IMPALA, the European association of independent music companies, welcomes the endorsement of the AI Act by EU member states’ ambassadors.

Helen Smith, IMPALA Executive Chair said: “We welcome this essential step in the process which brings the EU closer to adopting the first rules on AI worldwide, with a text striking the right balance between accountability and innovation. The AI Act will hopefully set the scene for other parts of the world looking to regulate AI.”

Helen Smith continued: “With clear obligations on general purpose AI models to respect copyright law and be transparent about the data they train on, the AI Act sets a proper framework around AI which will allow our members to continue exploring commercial opportunities for use of their works in this fast-moving market.”

With still a few steps to go in the process before the AI Act can be finally adopted and become the world’s first comprehensive legal framework for AI, Helen Smith concluded: “We now call on the European Parliament, which played a crucial role in the introduction of proportionate obligations for general-purpose AI in the text, to fully adopt the AI Act. We also look forward to working with the EU and national governments to make sure these new rules are implemented in a way which allows SME music companies and the artists they work to effectively license and enforce their rights.”

About IMPALA

IMPALA was established in 2000 and now represents over 6000 independent music companies in Europe. 99% of Europe’s music companies are small, micro and medium businesses and self-releasing artists. Known as the independents, they are world leaders in terms of innovation and discovering new music and artists – they produce more than 80% of all new releases and account for 80% of the sector’s jobs. IMPALA’s mission is to grow the independent music sector sustainably, return more value to artists, promote diversity and entrepreneurship, improve political access, inspire change, and increase access to finance. IMPALA works on a range of key issues for its members, runs various award schemes and has a programme aimed at businesses who want to develop a strategic relationship with the European independent sector – Friends of IMPALA.