Independent standards for ethical AI in music
Setting the Standard for
Ethical AI in Music
MusicEthics.org provides independent principles, certification, and guidance to ensure AI is used to protect and advance human-made creativity — in music creation, discovery, and use.
M.E. Certified is an independent designation for organizations that align with the Ethical AI in Music Standards (M.E. Standards v1.0).
M.E. Certified
A badge for organizations that meet the MusicEthics.org standard for ethical, human-first use of AI in music.
- Focus
- Human-made creativity
- Scope
- Music + AI practices
What is MusicEthics.org?
MusicEthics.org is an independent standards initiative defining what ethical AI looks like in music. We focus on how AI is used in music creation, discovery, rights, and use, with a simple goal: AI should protect and amplify human artistry, not exploit it.
The M.E. Certified badge recognizes organizations that commit to responsible practices: no unauthorized training on artists’ work, transparent use of AI, and respect for ownership, consent, and diversity in music.
What “M.E. Certified” Means
- AI is used to support human-made music, not replace it.
- Artists’ rights, ownership, and consent are respected at every step.
- Audio and data are handled with integrity and minimum necessary use.
- Systems are designed with fairness, diversity, and transparency in mind.
Organizations that meet the standard may display the M.E. Certified badge and be listed in the public directory on MusicEthics.org.
The M.E. Standards (v1.0)
The Ethical AI in Music Standards (M.E. Standards v1.0) are guiding principles for responsible AI use in music. They are designed to protect and advance human-made creativity while recognizing that technology will continue to evolve.
I. Human Creativity First
AI should enhance and enable human expression, not displace it. Organizations commit to positioning AI as assistive, augmentative, or analytical — and to clearly distinguishing human-created from AI-generated content.
II. Responsible Use of Creative Works
AI systems must respect the rights of artists and performers, avoiding unauthorized training on copyrighted works, stems, or likenesses, and seeking consent before creating derivative or soundalike material.
III. Artist Rights, Ownership & Control
Artists should retain control over how their work is used. Clear policies explain how music is analyzed and stored, and artist audio is not repurposed for generative training or unauthorized reuse.
IV. Transparency in AI Use
Organizations disclose where AI is used, label AI-generated or AI-assisted outputs, and explain key AI-driven decisions in plain language.
V. Ethical Data & Audio Practices
Musical works are handled with integrity and minimum necessary use. Audio fingerprints, embeddings, or descriptors are not repurposed for generative systems, and unauthorized scraping of audio is avoided.
VI–VII. Fairness & Accountability
Systems are evaluated for bias across genres, cultures, and communities, with a focus on diversity and inclusion. Organizations maintain documentation, provide a path to report concerns, and revisit their alignment with the standards over time.
Standards Board & Governance
The Music Ethics Standards Board is a small, independent group of artists, rights experts, technologists, and advocates who help define and evolve the M.E. Standards over time.
The Board’s role is to keep the framework grounded in real-world music practice and to ensure that ethical AI in music remains focused on human creativity, consent, and transparency.
The Board:
- Reviews and refines updates to the M.E. Standards.
- Advises on certification criteria and process.
- Acts as a visible, independent voice for ethical AI in music.
Directory of M.E. Certified Organizations
Coming SoonOrganizations that meet the M.E. Standards may be listed here with a public profile and permission to display the M.E. Certified badge in their products, communications, and investor or partner materials.
Example Listing
Organization Name
Category · Country
Short description of how this organization uses AI in music and aligns with the M.E. Standards.
Your Organization Here
Apply for M.E. Certified to be considered for inclusion in the MusicEthics.org directory.
Start the applicationApply for M.E. Certified
The M.E. Certified badge is available to organizations that align with the Ethical AI in Music Standards and commit to ongoing stewardship of human-made creativity.
- Review the M.E. Standards (v1.0) and confirm internal alignment.
- Complete the M.E. Certified application form with details on your use of music and AI.
- Provide any supporting materials (policies, disclosures, ethics statements).
- Await review and follow-up from the MusicEthics.org team.