Top-Level Domain Name .music Now Available to the Music Industry — IFPI, Recording Academy, A2IM, NMPA, Others On Board

October 10

	The .MUSIC registry has officially launched the .music domain name and its verified MusicID system. This new initiative allows members of the music industry to register .music domains on a first-come, first-served basis. The .music domain is designed to provide verified digital identities for artists, creators, songwriters, industry professionals, organizations, and brands, ensuring a secure online presence. Only verified members of the global music community are eligible to register and use .music domains. This step comes in response to growing concerns about non-consensual AI deepfakes, voice cloning, and the unauthorized use of intellectual property in the music industry. The .music domain will help fans easily identify authentic content created by real, verified creators. "For the first time in music history, the global music industry can register a unique .music name and verified digital music identity," said Constantine Roussos, CEO of .MUSIC, in an interview with Digital Music News. "The .music domain and its associated MusicID will create a trusted, secure, and authentic music-focused internet where the global music community can connect, engage, and thrive." Marina Roussou, Executive Director of id.MUSIC, the exclusive identity provider for .MUSIC, emphasized the significance of the launch. "The .music domain allows the music industry to reclaim control of their digital footprint," she said. "With verified MusicIDs, we’re giving the global music community the ability to protect their digital identity, secure their creative works, and ensure authenticity in the face of AI misuse, fraud, and impersonation." id.MUSIC is responsible for providing verified .music domain names and global MusicIDs that protect the intellectual property rights of artists, including their names, images, likenesses, and voices. The company ensures that all .music digital identities are safeguarded from impersonation, fraud, AI clones, bots, and cybersquatters through strict identity verification. The .MUSIC initiative has garnered support from an international coalition representing over 95% of the music consumed worldwide, according to estimates from .MUSIC. Supporting organizations include the RIAA, CISAC, IFPI, NMPA, Recording Academy, A2IM, International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP), Independent Music Publishers International Forum (IMPF), International Federation of Musicians (FIM), International Music Council (IMC), International Music Managers Forum (IMMF), and the Music Managers Forum–US (MMF-US). Victoria Oakley, CEO of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), said, ".MUSIC will be a valuable tool for the global music community, ensuring trust and authenticity. IFPI has been a strong supporter of this initiative." David Israelite, President and CEO of the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), highlighted the importance of the launch in the face of growing threats posed by AI. "The .MUSIC domain is launching at a critical time for the music industry. The NMPA applauds this ambitious initiative and the protections it offers creators," he said. Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. "The Recording Academy is excited to continue supporting the .MUSIC initiative during a time of immense evolution in our industry, where protecting human creativity has never been more vital." Dr. Richard James Burgess, President and CEO of the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), also praised the initiative, saying, "A2IM has supported the .MUSIC initiative from the beginning, and we’re thrilled to see it come to life. This domain will create a safe and innovative ecosystem, benefiting artists, labels, and consumers alike." Source: www.digitalmusicnews.com