Spotify has removed tens of thousands of artificial intelligence-generated music that violates its policies. Most of these songs…
Spotify has removed tens of thousands of artificial intelligence-generated music that violates its policies. Most of these songs were created using Boomy, an AI app that generates entire songs using machine learning.
The streaming platform is embarking on this mission to eliminating illegitimate streaming as it suspects that bots stream these AI-generated songs. Spotify also aims to safeguard fair royalty payments for genuine artists as the company explained in a recent statement to Music Business Worldwide.
Boomy announced on May 1 that Spotify had launched a crackdown on their AI-generated songs that had been uploaded without permission. The AI-based programme responsible for creating over 14.5 million tracks, which accounts for approximately 13.9% of the world’s recorded music, has seen at least six of its songs removed from two playlists due to Spotify’s crackdown.
Read more: Why Nigerian brands should allocate media spend to Spotify
Spotify’s crackdown on AI-generated music
These songs were removed after Spotify and other streaming services received complaints of fraud and clutter on their platforms. Universal Music Group (UMG), a music industry giant, reportedly alerted streaming service providers of suspicious streaming activity on Boomy tracks.
As a result, Spotify removed the Boomy songs due to suspected artificial streaming from bots posing as listeners. The company is also said to be intensifying its efforts to police the platform in response to these concerns.
Spotify stated, “Artificial streaming is a longstanding, industry-wide issue that we are working to stamp out across our service. When we identify or are alerted to potential cases of stream manipulation, we mitigate their impact by taking action that may include the removal of streaming numbers and the withholding of royalties. This allows us to protect royalty payouts for honest, hardworking artists.”
The company confirmed that “certain catalog releases” from Boomy’s AI-generated songs were removed and added that “artificial streaming” has been a long-standing issue in the music industry. They are determined to end it by taking strong measures to protect honest, hardworking artists and their rightful earnings.
Although there is no evidence implicating Boomy in any wrongdoing related to the creation of fake streams, the company has publicly expressed its opposition to any form of artificial streaming or manipulation. Boomy is working closely with industry partners to address this issue and restore its artists’ content distribution on Spotify.
While they have taken action against Boomy’s AI-generated music, the company is committed to ensuring that its technology is used ethically and complies with industry standards. Boomy has made it clear that it values the integrity of the music industry and is actively working to combat any potential misuse of its technology.
Read more: Burna Boy’s “Love, Damini” becomes #1 album in Nigeria on Spotify; Asake trends still
AI poses significant issues
As Artificial intelligence tools make headlines in all industries, many stakeholders have expressed their worry and excitement about its influence on their respective fields. Recall that many tech founders urged that AI innovations be suspended pending regulation.
In the entertainment industry, scriptwriters and movie producers embarked on a march to protest the use of AI in movie production. Now, music stakeholders are willing to follow a similar suit with spotify, one of the largest streaming platforms in the world taking a huge stance to reduce AI’s influence in the industry.
The group CEO, Daniel Ek, has publicly expressed his opinion on artificial intelligence, acknowledging its potential for creativity and the “scary part” of the technology. As AI-generated music gains popularity, the music industry is taking steps to protect intellectual property rights for artists, labels, and streaming platforms.
While AI-generated music is not new, its increasing use and potential impact on the industry have prompted a greater need for preventive measures. With artists relying on fair compensation for their work, the use of AI in music creation mustn’t infringe on their rights and royalties.
Despite the potentials, there are concerns about the authenticity of AI-generated music and its impact on the artistic process. As the industry adapts to the growth of AI, it will be important to strike a balance between the benefits of technology and the integrity of the creative process.