This chapter highlights the flourishing research and industrial practice of music AI across Asia, a region with diverse cultural and philosophical traditions that can significantly reshape technology ethics historically centred on Western thought. In an earlier theoretical work, the authors proposed non-Western interpretations of three “ethically aligned design” principles-human rights, well-being, and awareness of misuse-aimed at reconceiving AI’s role in musical creation and engagement. This chapter builds upon that framework by drawing on interviews with music AI researchers, developers, and practitioners in various Asian contexts. Conversations reveal how stakeholders interpret and implement ethical guidelines: (1) bridging the potential for AI to “revive” music traditions while intensifying data and environmental challenges, (2) reevaluating “human-centred” design in relation to collective/post-humanist visions, and (3) grappling with corporate influences on data sourcing and cultural representation. The post-reflection commentary highlights new realities of AI expansion, from the surge in AI data centres in Asia to the push for culturally diverse music-generative systems and ongoing tensions surrounding model ownership, accountability, and cross-border knowledge flows. This chapter presents Asia-based perspectives and advances a pluralistic, cross-cultural approach to music AI ethics that can inform global creative practices and policies and help shape a music ecosystem thriving on local and transnational collaboration.
Part of ISBN 9781040436844, 9781032846262
QC 20260608