SoundCloud’s Stance on AI Music Generation
SoundCloud has made a statement to clarify that they do not use artist content for generative AI music. This comes after some users expressed significant concerns over the platform’s updated terms of use. A spokesperson for SoundCloud stated that the platform "never used artist content to train AI models, and we also don’t develop AI tools or enable third parties to scrape or use SoundCloud content from our platform for AI training purposes."
Technical Protective Measures
The company has implemented technical protective measures, including a "No AI" policy on their website, to expressly prohibit the unauthorized use of artist content. SoundCloud emphasized that it is an artist-first platform and aims to be a helpful creative tool for artists, guided by principles of consent, attribution, and fair compensation.
Updated Terms of Use
The updated terms of use, which were introduced in February 2024, have raised concerns among some musicians and music industry professionals. The new terms state that users "explicitly agree to the fact that their content can be used to inform, train, or develop AI technologies or services." However, SoundCloud clarified that these terms were updated to explain how content can interact with AI technologies within the SoundCloud platform, such as personalized recommendations, content organization, and fraud detection.
AI Music Generation Controversy
The issue of AI music generation is a highly contentious one in the industry. Major record labels have filed lawsuits against prominent AI music generation platforms, such as Suno and Udio, for copyright infringement. SoundCloud stated that any AI application on their platform is intended to support human artists, improve tools, and enhance the skills and reach available on the platform.
Examples of AI Use
Examples of SoundCloud’s AI use include improving music recommendations, generating playlists, organizing content, and recognizing fraudulent activities. These efforts are aligned with existing license agreements and ethical standards. SoundCloud also acquired Musiio, an AI platform, in 2022, which is used to operate artist discovery and content organization, and to train non-generative AI models.
Artist Concerns
Despite SoundCloud’s clarification, some musicians have expressed concerns and have started to remove their music from the platform. Ed Newton-Rex, the founder of Fairly Trained, a non-profit organization that advocates for ethical AI training, stated that SoundCloud’s statement does not exclude the possibility of training generative AI models on user music in the future.
Response to Concerns
A SoundCloud representative responded to these concerns, stating that the terms of use explicitly prohibit the use of licensed content, such as music from major labels, for training AI models, including generative AI. However, for other types of content uploaded to SoundCloud, the terms of use do enable AI-related use. The representative assured that if SoundCloud were to consider generative AI models in the future, they would introduce clear opt-out mechanisms and remain transparent with their creative community.
