tech
Spotify’s AI songs from dead artists spark fresh outrage over exploitation
Spotify has been hit with another AI controversy after publishing computer-generated songs under the names of dead musicians.
TL;DR
- Spotify published AI-generated songs on the pages of deceased artists, including Blake Foley and Guy Clark, without estate or label approval.
- Tracks linked to a company account called Syntax Error were removed after an investigation by 404 Media.
- The platform previously encountered controversy with the AI-generated band Velvet Sundown.
- Spotify's CEO, Daniel Ek, has maintained a lenient approach to AI content, stating it's acceptable unless it mimics real artists.
- Concerns include copyright infringement from AI training data, competition for streams reducing royalties for human artists, and deception through fabricated profiles.
- Calls for clear labeling of AI-generated content have been made by industry figures like Sophie Jones of the BPI.
- Rival streaming app Deezer has developed an algorithm to identify AI-created songs and advocates for transparency and artist rights.