Spotify is rolling out changes to their AI policy to address the rise of AI-generated music on the platform. The new policy is focused on reducing spam, removing unauthorized voice clones and adding labels that indicate whether AI was used to make the music on its platform.
They’ve made it clear they’re not banning AI music outright which is nice to see. Not everyone who uploads music by AI artists onto Spotify is trying to be malicious. Some artists use AI tools as part of their creative process, and Spotify says it doesn’t want to punish that. The streaming platform needs to balance blocking bad actors without punishing innocent artists.
What’s in the Updated Policy?
Labeling AI music: Spotify will adopt the industry-standard Digital Data Exchange (DDEX) format. This requires labels, distributors, and partners to disclose how AI was used in music credits. This includes revealing whether AI was used to generate vocals, instrumentation, or post-production. So far, 15 labels and distributors are on board, with more expected to follow.
Music spam filter: This fall, Spotify will roll out a new spam-detection system that will target exploitative tactics. This ranges from mass uploads, SEO manipulation to artificially short tracks. These filters will also cut down on duplicate uploads. Though Spotify says it will be cautious to avoid punishing legitimate cases, like when a song appears on multiple albums or compilations.
Blocking voice clones and deepfakes: Spotify has updated its impersonation policy to ban unauthorized AI-generated voice clones, deepfakes, and impersonations. Artists will have new tools to report fraudulent uploads. Spotify will also work with distributors to address “profile mismatches”, where someone fraudulently uploads music to an artist’s profile across streaming services.
Can Spotify Prevent Artificial Streaming?
Even with these policies, artificial streaming remains a thorn in Spotify’s side. This is when bots, click farms, or automated programs inflate streams to manipulate payouts and boost visibility. Fake playlists stuffed with AI deepfakes or multiple accounts set to loop a song are just a few ways people exploit the system.
Spotify’s new policy should make these tactics harder, but bad actors will always try to get around the rules. Artificial streaming will always be a problem because the technology behind it is constantly evolving.
This Will Take More Than a Policy Update
Spotify’s AI policies are a step in the right direction. They improve transparency, protect artists from impersonation. They also make it harder for spam and scams to flood the platform.
Yet, they need to do more. AI is evolving too fast for any single company to handle on its own. Spotify is going to have to continually invest time, money and resources into the new policy. They have to be on the ball with monitoring how these new features are working, how they’re failing. They need to collaborate with both the music and tech industries.
This isn’t just about fighting fraud. It’s about protecting artists’ rights, ensuring a fair royalty system. All while maintaining an enjoyable listening experience for users.
The real test is whether Spotify will adapt as quickly as the people trying to exploit the system. Because AI will only make things more complicated as it becomes more advanced.
