SoundCloud is facing significant backlash from its user base after it was revealed that the music-sharing platform has updated its terms of service to allow for the use of uploaded music in training artificial intelligence (AI) systems. This controversial change, which many users were unaware of until recently, has raised concerns about the implications for artists and creators who rely on the platform for their work.
According to SoundCloud's updated terms of use, which were quietly added to the site in February 2024, users "explicitly agree that your Content may be used to inform, train, develop, or serve as input to artificial intelligence or machine intelligence technologies or services as part of and for providing the services." This clause has sparked outrage among creators who feel their rights are being compromised without their explicit consent.
The musical duo The Flight was among the first to raise the alarm, announcing their decision to delete all their songs from the platform and close their account. They posted on Bluesky, stating, "Ok then . . . deleted all our songs that we uploaded to SoundCloud and now closing account." This prompted other users to voice their concerns, with one commenting, "Thanks for the heads-up. I just deleted my account." This wave of discontent highlights the growing unease among artists regarding how their content is being utilized by tech companies.
In response to the backlash, a SoundCloud spokesperson emphasized that the company has never actually used artist content to train AI models. They stated, "SoundCloud has never used artist content to train AI models, nor do we develop AI tools or allow third parties to scrape or use SoundCloud content from our platform for AI training purposes." The spokesperson also pointed out that technical safeguards have been implemented, including a 'no AI' tag on the site to prohibit unauthorized use.
The spokesperson further explained that the February 2024 update to the terms of service was intended to clarify how content may interact with AI technologies within SoundCloud's own platform. The intended use cases include personalized recommendations, content organization, fraud detection, and improvements to content identification with AI technologies.
Despite these reassurances, the concerns raised by users reflect a broader trend within the tech industry. Many companies, including social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and YouTube, have updated their terms to allow for the training of AI models on user-generated content. This trend has raised alarms among users who argue that they should have more control over how their work is used, ideally through opt-in policies rather than opt-out.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also weighed in on the issue, warning that companies could risk violating the law if they alter privacy policies to use customer data for AI training without proper notice. In a statement from February 2024, the FTC noted, "It may be unfair or deceptive for a company to adopt more permissive data practices—for example, to start sharing consumers’ data with third parties or using that data for AI training—and to only inform consumers of this change through a surreptitious, retroactive amendment to its terms of service or privacy policy."
Critics argue that companies like SoundCloud should implement more transparent opt-out options for users or, ideally, require explicit consent before using their content for AI training. The ongoing debate surrounding the rights of creators and the use of their work in AI training datasets continues to gain momentum.
SoundCloud has been actively integrating AI into its platform. In November 2024, the company launched six new AI tools designed to meet various creative needs, further emphasizing its commitment to embracing technology in the music industry. At that time, SoundCloud also joined AI For Music's "Principles for Music Creation With AI" pledge, committing to uphold ethical and transparent AI practices that respect creators' rights.
CEO Eliah Seton expressed optimism about the role of AI in the future of music creation, stating in a November blog post, "SoundCloud is paving the way for a future where AI unlocks creative potential and makes music creation accessible to millions, while upholding responsible and ethical practices. We’re proud to be the platform that supports creators at every level, fuels experimentation, and empowers fandom."
However, as the conversation around AI and user-generated content evolves, it remains to be seen how companies like SoundCloud will navigate the delicate balance between innovation and respecting the rights of their users. With growing scrutiny from both users and regulatory bodies, the pressure is on for platforms to ensure that their policies are transparent and fair.
As the debate continues, many artists are left wondering about the future of their work in an increasingly AI-driven landscape. The question remains: how can platforms like SoundCloud safeguard the rights of creators while leveraging the benefits of AI technology? The answers may shape the future of music sharing and creation in profound ways.
This article has been updated to include comments from SoundCloud, reflecting the company's stance on the matter and its commitment to ethical practices in AI.
