Google accused of using YouTube songs to train AI model Lyria, facing lawsuit from independent musicians

A group of independent musicians in the U.S. has sued Google, accusing the company of using their songs uploaded to YouTube without permission to train its music AI model Lyria 3. Google filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the plaintiffs lack evidence and that YouTube's terms of service already allow such use.

Google has not directly answered whether it uses YouTube videos to train Lyria. But publicly, YouTube's CEO said in April 2024 that some content on the platform is used to train AI models like Gemini. A 2024 official blog post also confirmed that Google uses uploaded content to improve YouTube and other Google products.

Although Google has confirmed to media that it uses YouTube content to train Gemini and Veo, it has never made a clear statement about Lyria. Legal experts say Google's refusal to admit this is likely a lawsuit strategy, as acknowledging it could weaken its legal position. The case is still ongoing.