As reported by the French streaming service, nearly seven out of every ten streams of AI-generated music on the Deezer platform are deemed to be fraudulent.
The company states that AI-created music only constitutes 0.5% of total streams on music platforms, yet their analysis indicates that scammers may account for as much as 70% of those streams.
The rise of AI-generated music presents a significant issue on streaming services. Scammers typically utilize bots to “listen” to AI-generated tracks, thereby generating revenue for platforms like Deezer and subsequently receiving royalty payments.
This tactic aims to circumvent detection mechanisms by flooding the system with high listening counts for numerous low-quality fake tracks.
Thibault Roucou, director of royalties and a report regarding the Paris-based platform, mentioned that the manipulation of AI-generated music is a strategy to “extract some profit from royalties.”
“As long as I can profit, I shall,” he lamented, referring to the scenario of fraudulent streaming. “Sadly, there is a push to profit from it.”
Deezer utilizes a tool designed to identify 100% AI-generated content from the leading AI music models, including Suno and Udio.
Deezer reports that the AI-generated music being streamed by con artists ranges from fake pop and rap to artificial mood music. The platform actively prevents royalty payments for streams flagged as fraudulent.
In April, Deezer disclosed that AI-generated tracks account for 18% of all uploads to its platform, averaging around 20,000 tracks per day. The company has announced plans to exclude all AI-generated content from its algorithmic recommendations. Deezer boasts over 10 million subscribers globally, whereas leading competitor Spotify has 268 million.
Roucou noted that while the identities of those orchestrating the fraudulent streams remain unknown, the criminals seem to operate in an “organized” manner. The IFPI, a Trade Body, reported that the global streaming market was valued at $20.4 billion last year, making it a prime target for fraudsters.
In a report, the Latest Global Music Report from the IFPI indicated that fraudulent streaming diverts funds that “should go to rightful artists,” with generic AI contributing to an exacerbation of the issue.
Last year, U.S. musician Michael Smith faced charges for attempting to create AI-generated songs that were designed to be streamed billions of times, resulting in potential royalty earnings of $10 million.
Source: www.theguardian.com
