Deezer Reports 70% of AI-Generated Music Streams Are Fraudulent

In a significant revelation regarding the integrity of music streaming, Deezer, a prominent French streaming platform, reported that up to 70% of streams of AI-generated music are fraudulent. This alarming statistic comes from an analysis conducted by Deezer, which indicates that while AI-generated music constitutes only 0.5% of all streams on the platform, the manipulation of these streams by fraudsters is rampant. Utilizing bots to artificially inflate streaming numbers, these individuals capitalize on the resulting royalties, effectively siphoning funds intended for legitimate artists.

According to Thibault Roucou, the Director of Royalties and Reporting at Deezer, the manipulation strategy employed by fraudsters aims to exploit the financial incentives tied to streaming royalties. "As long as there is money in fraudulent streaming, there will be efforts to try to profit from it," Roucou stated. "That’s why we’re investing in fighting it because we know it’s not going away and we need to be one step ahead every time." Deezer has developed a tool that purportedly identifies 100% AI-generated content, targeting the most prolific AI music models such as Suno and Udio.

The recent report highlights a growing concern within the music industry as AI-generated content becomes increasingly prevalent. Deezer announced that AI-generated music now accounts for 18% of all uploads to its platform, translating to approximately 20,000 new tracks daily. The platform has responded by eliminating all fully AI-generated content from its algorithmic recommendations to combat the issue.

The global streaming market, valued at $20.4 billion last year according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), presents a lucrative target for fraudsters. The IFPI's latest global music report underscores that fraudulent streaming activities deprive legitimate artists of revenue that rightfully belongs to them. Furthermore, the report notes that generative AI has significantly exacerbated the challenges faced by the industry.

Historically, the issue of fraudulent streaming is not unprecedented. A notable case involved U.S. musician Michael Smith, who faced charges last year for orchestrating a scheme that generated hundreds of thousands of AI-created songs, resulting in billions of streams and approximately $10 million in unauthorized royalty payments.

Despite the measures being implemented, Roucou expressed uncertainty about the identities of the individuals behind the fraudulent streams, suggesting an organization behind these efforts. As the landscape of music streaming continues to evolve with the rise of AI, the industry must adapt to these challenges to protect the interests of artists and maintain the integrity of music consumption.

In conclusion, the significant proportion of fraudulent streams raises critical questions about the future of music streaming and the need for robust regulatory frameworks to safeguard artists' rights. As AI technology advances, the music industry must remain vigilant to prevent exploitation and ensure that legitimate creators receive fair compensation for their work. The coming years will likely see further developments in both technology and policy as stakeholders navigate this complex and evolving landscape.