Suno is reportedly running into resistance from Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment over one key issue: whether users should be allowed to freely share AI-generated songs made on the platform.
According to the Financial Times, Universal is not on board with Suno’s push for broader sharing of AI-created music. The reported dispute centres on whether tracks made within Suno’s app should stay inside the platform or be allowed to circulate more widely online.
That tension has become part of a bigger industry debate over how AI music tools should work. Major labels have raised concerns that unrestricted sharing could dilute the value of original music, create competition for artists on streaming platforms, and blur the line between licensed experimentation and unauthorised derivative works.
A Music Business Worldwide report adds that UMG has leaned towards a “walled garden” model in its AI deals. Under that setup, users can engage with AI-generated music within a platform, but cannot freely download or distribute those creations elsewhere. Michael Nash, UMG’s executive vice president and chief digital officer, reportedly framed that approach as a way to protect artists from direct cannibalisation.
Suno, however, has publicly backed a more open approach. Its chief music officer Paul Sinclair argued for “open studios, not walled gardens”, positioning AI tools as part of a broader creator ecosystem rather than a closed platform.
The divide is even more striking when compared to Warner Music Group’s reported licensing agreement with Suno, which allowed users to keep key functions like song creation and downloads. UMG’s deal with rival platform Udio, on the other hand, reportedly came with stricter download limits.
An open letter was published this week titled "SAY NO TO SUNO".
— Ed Newton-Rex (@ednewtonrex) February 24, 2026
It's from the Music Artists Coalition, the European Composer and Songwriter Alliance, and more.
They call Suno a "brazen 'smash and grab' platform", saying it "appropriates and plunders [...] creative work while… pic.twitter.com/PYCcf2chwp
The debate has also drawn backlash from parts of the artist community. A coalition of artist representatives has criticised Suno in an open letter titled “Say No to Suno”, accusing the platform of building its business on creative work used without permission.
For now, the battle over AI music sharing is far from settled. But the outcome could shape how artists, labels, and fans interact with AI-generated music for years to come.
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