Copyright Infringement Risks and Regulatory Pathways in AI Singer Cover Songs

A Case Study of “AI Stefanie Sun”

Abstract

The rise of AI singer cover technology has reshaped music creation and dissemination while posing critical challenges to copyright protection systems. Using the “AI Stefanie Sun” phenomenon as an example, this technology generates cover songs by mimicking specific singers’vocal characteristics, potentially infringing upon copyrights of original works, performers’ rights, and sound recording producers’ rights throughout data training, content generation, and distribution processes. Specific risks include violations of reproduction rights, performance rights, communication rights, as well as damage to performers' moral rights, economic rights, and producers’remuneration claims. Current legal frameworks struggle to address these challenges due to ambiguities in liability attribution, difficulties in applying fair use doctrines, and outdated licensing mechanisms. The study proposes establishing a three-tier accountability framework (technology providers-users-platforms), integrating AI covers into statutory licensing systems, and enhancing collective management organizations’technological governance capabilities. These measures aim to balance innovation incentives and rights protection through dynamic fee models and tech-enabled licensing systems, providing institutional safeguards for AI music industry development.