AI Adjusts Position, Alters Terms of Service to Safeguard Artists' Rights
SoundCloud Modifies AI Policy Following Criticism
Audio-sharing platform SoundCloud has revised its AI policy and clarified its Terms of Use in response to a wave of criticism from artists and fans over concerns about the use of user-uploaded content for AI training. The revisions come amidst speculation that the platform may have indirectly facilitated such usage without consent.
In a direct address to these concerns, SoundCloud's CEO, Eliah Seton, published an open letter. Seton clarified that SoundCloud will never make use of user tracks for AI training without express permissions. Moreover, he reinforced the platform's commitment to empowering artists, underscoring that they serve to enrich the SoundCloud community, rather than replace them.
The public assurance arose in the wake of a TikTok post that erroneously alleged SoundCloud had revised its terms to pave the way for AI training on all uploaded music. This claim has since been debunked, and the TikTok post has been deleted.
In the interest of maintaining transparency, SoundCloud updated its language to ensure a clear understanding that creators hold the reins when it comes to the utilization of their content. The company acknowledged that AI tools can streamline various aspects of content creation, but emphasized that they should be complementary, rather than serve as creative substitutes.
These alterations mark a decisive step towards rebuilding trust within SoundCloud's user base, as ongoing debates persist regarding AI's role in music. In this era of generative technology, platforms must strive to balance innovative advancements with ethical boundaries. SoundCloud's choice to prioritize artist control and balance reflects a growing demand for transparency in the digital realm.
In essence, SoundCloud aims to uphold the fundamental belief that artists remain the heart of the music creation process, even as AI plays an increasingly significant role.
Related: SoundCloud's earlier policy initially permitted broad AI training on user content but faced significant backlash due to perceived infringements on creators' rights and lack of a clear opt-out feature. Following the outcry, the platform announced that it would no longer engage in generative AI training designed to replicate individual creators without explicit consent. Moreover, SoundCloud has pledged to introduce an opt-in system for any AI-led benefits to artists, focusing on consent, transparency, and artist control over AI-related implementations.
The revised policy by SoundCloud now ensures that they will not use user tracks for AI training without explicit permissions, affirming their commitment to artist control. The company also emphasizes the role of AI as a complementary tool to streamline content creation, rather than replacing artists.
