SoundCloud has released a statement explaining that they are not utilizing artists’ content to create music for generative AI, after facing significant criticism due to changes observed in their terms of use by some users.
On Friday, a representative for SoundCloud declared that the service “has never utilized artist content to educate artificial intelligence models, and we don’t create AI tools or permit third parties to mine or utilize SoundCloud content from our platform for AI learning objectives.”
SoundCloud’s spokesperson stated on Friday that they have never used artists‘ content to teach AI, and they don’t develop AI tools or allow others to use SoundCloud content for teaching AI.
To clarify, we’ve put in place technical barriers and marked our site with a ‘no AI’ label to prevent unauthorized use. The company emphasizes that it has always prioritized artists and continues to do so. They view Artificial Intelligence as a potential beneficial tool for artists, especially when used in accordance with principles like consent, proper attribution, and fair payment.
SoundCloud’s statement was issued after receiving vocal criticism from some musicians and music industry advocates online, following the circulation of updated terms of service. This update stated that users give explicit permission for their content to be utilized in educating, training, developing, or serving as input for artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning technologies or services, as part of providing the platform’s overall services.
In February 2024, SoundCloud announced that they had revised their Terms of Service. This update, according to SoundCloud, aimed to make clearer how user content interacts with AI technologies within their platform. These uses encompass personalized recommendations, organizing content, detecting fraud, and enhancing content identification using artificial intelligence technologies.
As a passionate gamer immersed in the world of digital entertainment, I can’t help but notice that the debate surrounding AI-generated music is really heating up these days. Last year, some heavyweight record labels took prominent platforms like Suno and Udio to court over accusations of massive copyright violation. That legal battle is still ongoing.
On Friday, SoundCloud announced that any artificial intelligence (AI) used at their company would be developed with a focus on empowering human artists. This means improving the tools, expanding capabilities, increasing reach, and creating more opportunities for these artists within their platform.
For instance, enhancing personalized music suggestions, creating custom playlists, managing content efficiently, and identifying suspicious activities – these are some of the endeavors SoundCloud is involved in. These actions adhere to our current licensing contracts and moral guidelines.
The services in question correspond to several purposes that SoundCloud’s website mentions for Musiio, a platform they acquired in 2022. According to SoundCloud, tools such as Musiio are exclusively employed for enhancing artist discovery and organizing content, but not for training generative AI models.
Although SoundCloud’s applications face less debate compared to music creation, a number of musicians have been advocating since Friday for fellow artists to reconsider removing their work from the platform.
If you’re a musician, composer, artist, or part of a band with a SoundCloud account, I strongly advise you to ponder if it continues to serve your interests. I recently decided to remove my music due to concerns that they might be using our data to educate AI systems without our explicit consent. #music #production 🎵
— Gareth Baker Thomas- Composer for Film & TV (@gareththomasmus) May 9, 2025
As a passionate gamer and advocate for ethical AI practices, I expressed my concern last Friday about the potential misuse of user-generated content by AI companies. Specifically, I’m referring to Ed Newton-Rex, founder of Fairly Trained, a non-profit organization that urges AI firms to ethically train their models with proper consent from original content creators. In an interview with THR, he shared his ongoing worries even after SoundCloud clarified their stance. The statement they issued doesn’t explicitly rule out the possibility of using users’ music to train future generative AI models.
Newton-Rex expressed concern about this matter, stating that the terms of agreement explicitly permit it. He believes they should clarify that it won’t happen and revise their terms to reflect this change. If not, he plans on withdrawing his music.
(SoundCloud did not promptly provide a comment when asked about the potential inclusion of such an exception.)
We appreciate your concerns and pledge to maintain open communication,” SoundCloud stated. “Artists will retain control over their creations, and we’ll keep everyone updated on our journey as we explore innovative uses of AI technology while ensuring responsible application. As the legal and commercial landscape develops, we’ll adapt accordingly.
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2025-05-10 01:55