AI copyright in spotlight after platforms pull "fake Drake" song

• Ghostwriter977 said in a since-deleted post that they wrote and produced the AI-generated vocals for the rap song.

By the numbers: The song that was played 600,000 times on Spotify and attracted 275,000 views on YouTube was widely shared on social media, with one clip posted to Twitter that has since been disabled garnering 20 million clicks.

What they're saying: UMG said in a media statement "the training of generative AI using our artists' music" represented "both a breach of our agreements and a violation of copyright law."

• The music publisher added that platforms had a "legal and ethical responsibility to prevent the use of their services in ways that harm artists."

Reality check: While there are intellectual property issues, it's not really clear whether the label or Drake and The Weeknd have a claim under traditional copyright law, given that the song in question isn't something the artists ever wrote or sang.

Thought bubble: This is just the beginning of what's likely to be a long and complex conflict between excitement over deploying artificial intelligence in pop culture and efforts to protect copyright.

Go deeper: Generative AI is a legal minefield

Go deeper: Listen to the Axios Today podcast, where host Niala Boodhoo explores what AI means for music and the way we create and consume it. She’d love to hear your thoughts.