Musicians including R.E.M., Bonnie Raitt, and Cyndi Lauper protested AI use of copyrighted music without permission or pay in 2026.

In January 2026, a coalition of major musicians including R.E.M. members and artists like Bonnie Raitt, Cyndi Lauper, and Billy Corgan joined the Stealing Isn’t Innovation campaign, backed by the Human Artistry Campaign. They condemned tech companies for using copyrighted music to train AI without permission or payment, arguing that ethical AI development is possible through licensing and partnerships. The campaign urges responsible practices that respect creators’ rights and fair compensation, highlighting growing artist concerns over the unauthorized use of their work in AI systems.