Sarah McLachlan, Mac DeMarco Support SOCAN Campaign to Stop Unlicensed AI Music

Artists and organizations sign letter urging Canadian government to protect human-created music

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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SOCAN, the Canadian performing rights organization, has launched a national campaign calling on the Canadian government to eliminate copyright exceptions that allow for the free and unauthorized use of copyrighted works for AI music training. The campaign has garnered support from artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Mac DeMarco, Barenaked Ladies' Ed Robertson, and more, as well as music publishers BMG and Nettwerk. The campaign argues that AI-generated music is devaluing human expression and that Canadians have made it clear they want to listen to music created by humans.

Why it matters

This campaign highlights the growing tension between the music industry and the rise of generative AI, which is seen as a threat to the livelihoods of human artists. The outcome of this campaign could set an important precedent for how countries approach the regulation of AI's use of copyrighted works, with implications for the future of the music industry.

The details

SOCAN's campaign urges the Canadian government to require transparency from AI companies, ensure clear labeling of AI-generated outputs, and protect human expression. The organization argues that every day, global streaming platforms are flooded with AI-generated music created without consent, credit, or compensation to the original human creators. A recent SOCAN report found that 87% of Canadians want to listen to music created by humans, with 65% saying it's 'very important' to them.

  • SOCAN launched the national campaign in early 2026.

The players

SOCAN

The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada, the country's performing rights organization.

Sarah McLachlan

A Canadian singer-songwriter who has signed in support of SOCAN's campaign.

Mac DeMarco

A Canadian singer-songwriter and musician who has signed in support of SOCAN's campaign.

Jennifer Brown

The CEO of SOCAN.

BMG Music Publishing

A music publishing company that has signed in support of SOCAN's campaign.

Nettwerk Music Group

An independent music company that has signed in support of SOCAN's campaign.

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What they’re saying

“This is a defining moment for Canada. AI companies are taking copy-protected works without consent, and the impact is being felt across the music industry. Music creators cannot compete in a system that devalues human expression while AI companies profit from the unlicensed use of their work.”

— Jennifer Brown, CEO of SOCAN (Billboard Canada)

“Canadians have been clear: they value human creativity and expect their government to protect it. The decisions made now will determine whether music creation remains a viable profession and a vital part of our cultural identity.”

— Jennifer Brown, CEO of SOCAN (Billboard Canada)

What’s next

The Canadian government will need to determine its policy direction on the use of copyrighted works for AI training, which could have significant implications for the future of the music industry in the country.

The takeaway

This campaign highlights the growing tension between the music industry and the rise of generative AI, which is seen as a threat to the livelihoods of human artists. The outcome of this campaign could set an important precedent for how countries approach the regulation of AI's use of copyrighted works, with implications for the future of the music industry.