London, December 02, 2025
Jorja Smith’s record label, FAMM, has publicly condemned the use of artificial intelligence to clone the British singer’s voice without authorization in the viral track “I Run,” which gained traction on TikTok in October 2025 before being removed from streaming platforms for copyright infringement. The label calls for stronger regulation to prevent unauthorized AI voice cloning in the music industry.
Details of the Incident
The track “I Run,” created by the artist Haven, rapidly garnered popularity, nearing chart success in both the UK and US markets. The song was removed by streaming services after FAMM accused its creators of using AI technology trained on Jorja Smith’s existing discography to replicate her vocal style and release the track without permission. This unauthorized use raised significant concerns regarding the integrity of artists’ work and intellectual property rights.
Label’s Response and Industry Implications
FAMM issued a forceful statement emphasizing that this issue extends beyond a single artist or song, cautioning that the normalization of AI voice cloning could fundamentally disrupt the music industry. The label highlighted an urgent need for the industry to address the rapid increase of AI in music production, which currently outpaces existing regulatory frameworks. “This isn’t just about Jorja. It’s bigger than one artist or one song,” the statement read, underscoring the potential widespread impact on artists’ creative rights.
Legal Complexity and Regulatory Challenges
The controversy surrounding “I Run” exemplifies the complex legal landscape regarding AI-generated content in music. While some tech companies maintain that training AI models on copyrighted music falls under “fair use,” this position remains highly disputed and lacks definitive legal resolution. FAMM advocates for clearer labeling requirements and stronger regulatory measures to protect artists from unauthorized voice cloning and impersonation, signaling a call for legislative attention and industry standards.
Context and Background on AI in Music
The music sector has witnessed a rapid rise in AI applications, from production assistance to voice synthesis, presenting new challenges for traditional intellectual property protections. Artists and labels are increasingly confronting unauthorized reproductions and manipulations of voices and compositions. This incident with Jorja Smith’s voice brings renewed focus to the urgent need for collaborative efforts between lawmakers, industry stakeholders, and technology developers to establish comprehensive guidelines ensuring artists’ rights and the ethical deployment of AI within creative industries.