The Script frontman Danny O'Donoghue has voiced strong concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence on the music industry, warning that AI-driven copyright infringement is taking place on an "industrial scale." His comments came as he endorsed a Sinn Féin motion aimed at strengthening protections for Irish artists in the age of AI.

Speaking ahead of a debate in the Irish Parliament, O'Donoghue revealed that he recently discovered around 125 songs written by him and The Script had allegedly been used to train AI systems without permission. He described the practice as a serious violation of intellectual property rights and said it threatens the livelihoods of musicians and other creative professionals.

The singer argued that songs represent the work of entire creative teams, including writers, producers, publishers, and other industry professionals. He warned that the unauthorized use of copyrighted material by AI companies undermines years of creative effort while generating commercial value without compensation.

O'Donoghue also expressed concern about the growing volume of AI-generated music entering streaming platforms. He said the increasing number of AI-created songs makes it harder for emerging artists to gain visibility and compete in an already crowded market.

Backing Sinn Féin's proposal, he called for stronger legislation that would require AI developers to obtain permission before using copyrighted works for training purposes. He also advocated for fair licensing agreements, financial compensation for creators, and the introduction of AI opt-out rights that would allow artists to control how their work is used.

Ireland's Minister for Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, acknowledged the concerns raised by musicians, describing the issue as both complex and urgent. While welcoming the debate, he said meaningful regulation would likely require coordinated action at the European level to ensure consistent rules across the industry.

The discussion reflects growing international concern over the balance between technological innovation and protecting the rights of creators, with governments and industry leaders increasingly examining how AI should be regulated.