​SoundCloud denies that it uses AI training on user-uploaded music

SoundCloud has addressed recent claims that it uses artificial intelligence training on user-uploaded music.

Following an article released by tech publication Futurism last week, which states that SoundCloud “quietly” updated its terms and conditions in February 2024 to allow AI training on content uploaded to the streaming platform, SoundCloud received backlash from its users.

SoundCloud users on Twitter (X) spoke out against the updated policy, with one writing: "If you’re a musician/composer/artist/band etc and have a SoundCloud account, I’d urge you to consider whether it’s worth keeping your music on there."

Another wrote: "Deleting my music from SoundCloud. I don't need them using my stuff without my permission to train their AI crap. Seriously, why can't companies just eff off with this?"

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The policy reportedly read: “You explicitly agree that your Content may be used to inform, train, develop, or serve as input to artificial intelligence technologies as part of and for providing the services.”

Ed Newton-Rex, founder of non-profit Fairly Trained, took to social media on Friday (May 9), writing: “I checked the wayback machine – [the policy] seems to have been added to their terms on 12th Feb 2024.”

He then penned an op-ed for Music Business Worldwide where he slammed SoundCloud's updated T&C's, writing: "Unfortunately, even for a platform that calls itself artist-first like SoundCloud, it looks like the allure of a trove of training data is just too great to be turned down in the age of generative AI."

A representative from SoundCloud has since issued a response to backlash via The Verge, saying that it has “never used artist content to train AI models”.

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Marni Greenberg, SVP and Head of Communications at SoundCloud, said: “[We do not] develop AI tools or allow third parties to scrape or use SoundCloud content from our platform for AI training purposes.”

“In fact, we implemented technical safeguards, including a “no AI” tag on our site to explicitly prohibit unauthorised use,” Greenberg added, also explaining that the updated terms of service intended to “clarify how content may interact with AI technologies within SoundCloud’s own platforms”.

Greenberg also noted that SoundCloud “prohibits” the use of licensed content, such as music from major labels, for “training any AI models, including generative AI”, but allows for the “possibility of AI-related use” on other types of content.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter