Spotify, one of the leading music streaming platforms, is clamping down on fraudulent AI-generated music streaming. According to Spotify founder Daniel Ek, a company’s value is essentially “the sum of the problems you solve.” With the rapid proliferation of AI-based generating tools, streaming services are under tremendous pressure to find new ways to mitigate fraudulent streaming.
In a battle against illegitimate bot farms, Universal Music Group (UMG) sent out multiple requests to streaming sites like Spotify to get rid of illegitimate streams. In response, Spotify temporarily removed hundreds of thousands of songs that were generated on Boomy, a California-based startup. Boomy allows users to create tracks based on their preferences through the selection of styles such as Lo-Fi or EDM, and then customizing them with vocals or lyrics. Although the vocal parts used are owned by the user, the takedown request was meant to address “suspicious listening activity.” After negotiation, Spotify reinstated some of Boomy’s catalogue.
Earlier this year, France’s Centre National de la Musique (CNM) carried out a study to identify music streaming fraud, with Spotify as a willing contributor. It was reported that as much as one to three billion fake streams were spotted in France, representing in between one and three percent of total listening. With the drive to use generative AI, CNM has promised to launch another survey in 2024 to study the impact of AI-generated music.
Recently, AI-generated tracks have seen a significant rise in streaming due to platforms such as Boomy, Aiva and Soundful. These platforms have allowed users to generate unlimited tracks and monetize them, which is met with strong opposition from industry stakeholders such as artists, producers, and promoters. In response, the Canadian musician Grimes launched an AI-based platform for users to apply her voice to their music, highlighting the modern concept of intertwining copyright with the ego.
As it stands, it is up to streaming services such Spotify to remain vigilant and proactive in their strategies on AI-generated music and fraudulent streaming. Only then can the music industry be kept fair and vibrant for the benefit of all stakeholders involed.
