Spotify is addressing the use of generative AI in music streaming with the rollout of new policies aimed at protecting artists and listeners alike. On Thursday, the company acknowledged AI's pros and cons while announcing plans for a spam filter, disclosure notices and a way to tackle impersonation.
"At its best, AI is unlocking incredible new ways for artists to create music and for listeners to discover it," Spotify said on its website. "At its worst, AI can be used by bad actors and content farms to confuse or deceive listeners, push 'slop' into the ecosystem, and interfere with authentic artists working to build their careers."
To help tackle what amounts to digital identity theft, Spotify is implementing an impersonation policy that allows artists to file a claim against anyone who has cloned their voices and uploaded content without permission. Under the policy, the streamer will remove the uploaded content, whether AI or a different method was used to create it. If an artist discovers a song or body of work on the platform using their voice or likeness, they -- or someone on their behalf -- can submit a complaint.
This fall, Spotify is also launching a music spam filter to fight sketchy music uploads involving things like bulk uploads, copies and abuse of the royalty system. The company said the filter will be "a system that will identify uploaders and tracks engaging in these tactics, tag them and stop recommending them." To prevent punishing legit uploads, Spotify will cautiously roll it out and monitor it along the way.
And what's set to be a major guideline is its new AI disclosures. Spotify is working with DDEX and multiple media companies to show standardized AI information disclosures in music credits on the app. As a listener, you will see song info that tells you whether AI tools were used for "AI-generated vocals, instrumentation or post-production."
Though Spotify has embraced AI through features like its AI DJ and playlist creation, the move comes after several incidents of artists being impersonated on music apps. In July, the streaming service removed a fake AI-generated song that was uploaded to the profile of Blaze Foley, a country artist who died in 1989.