Soundcloud quietly trains AI on user content
SoundCloud quietly updated its Terms of Use to include language that allowed the audio platform company to use user-uploaded audio to train artificial intelligence models, sparking outrage among artists and users. What happened SoundCloud discreetly changed its terms of service, adding a clause that many interpreted as giving the company the right to use users' music and audio uploads to train AI models - including generative AI capable of replicating or synthesising artists' voices, music, or likeness. The update went largely unnoticed until it was flagged by users and reported in the media, leading to widespread anger and accusations that SoundCloud was exploiting artists' creative output without consent. SoundCloud initially claimed the language was only meant to clarify internal uses of AI for recommendations and fraud detection, not for training generative AI models. Many artists said they would delete their accounts in protest. Why it happened SoundCloud claimed the change was intended to reflect its internal use of AI for platform features like music discovery, recommendation algorithms, and fraud prevention - not for generative AI training that could replicate or replace artists' work. However, the language in the terms was overly broad and vague, creating confusion and distrust among users. What it means Following the backlash, SoundCloud revised its terms to explicitly prohibit using user content to train generative AI models that replicate or synthesise artists' voices, music, or likeness without explicit, opt-in consent from creators. The company also committed to transparency, artist control, and blocking third-party scraping for AI training. The episode underscores the need for clear, consent-based policies in the use of creative content for AI and sets a precedent for how digital platforms should handle artist rights in the age of generative AI. For artists and the broader society, it reinforces the importance of transparency, control, and ethical standards at the intersection of technology and creative industries.
- Date it happened
- 2024-01-01
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