SoundCloud, a popular music-sharing platform, has clarified its policy on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) after artists expressed concerns that changes to the platform’s terms of use could allow SoundCloud to use their music and other content for training generative AI tools. According to CEO Eliah Seton, SoundCloud has never used artist content to train AI models.
Commitment to Transparency and Control
In an announcement made on July 24, Seton stated that SoundCloud is making a formal commitment to use AI on the platform based on:
- Consent
- Transparency
- Artist Control
This move comes after artists raised concerns about potential misuse of their work for training AI models without their consent or knowledge.
Addressing Ambiguity in Terms of Use
Seton acknowledged that the language in the Terms of Use was too broad and unclear, which led to confusion among artists about how their content would be used. The clarification aims to alleviate these concerns and provide greater transparency into how SoundCloud uses AI.
Recent Changes and Artist Concerns
The company’s announcement follows a series of changes made last year regarding its terms of service. While some updates were intended to improve user experience by allowing users with verified accounts access to more features, such as:
- Advanced analytics
- Monetization options through partnerships with third-party services like YouTube Music Analytics or Audiam’s DDEX reporting tool for streaming data from platforms like Spotify or TikTok
Others have raised red flags among creators who fear they may be giving up rights over their own work without realizing it.
One such change allowed users with verified accounts access to more features but included language stating, "we may also license your Content under our rights in it." This clause sparked fears among creators about relinquishing rights over their own work.
Criticism and Concerns from Artists
SoundCloud has faced criticism from some artists who feel they are not being fairly compensated for the use of their music in advertisements created by third-party companies using generative AIs trained on publicly available audio samples. However, these claims have yet to be proven false, as there is no evidence suggesting any commercial usage occurred prior to authorization being granted.
Growing Concerns About AI Technology
The clarification comes at a time when there is growing concern about the potential misuse of AI technology in various industries. As more companies begin incorporating AI into their operations, there is an increasing need for clear guidelines around its use and potential impact on individuals’ rights.
The Rise of AI-Generated Content
In recent years, the rise of AI-generated content has led to increased scrutiny around copyright laws, with many arguing that current regulations are not equipped to handle new forms of creative expression generated by machines.
As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it remains unclear what role humans will play in creating original works versus relying solely on algorithms designed to produce unique outputs every time. This raises important questions about:
- Authorship
- Ownership
- Fair Compensation
These issues are currently being debated within industry circles.
Conclusion
Ultimately, only time will tell whether current systems can adapt quickly enough to keep pace with the changing landscape surrounding artificial intelligence and its creation capabilities. For now, one thing seems certain: SoundCloud’s latest move towards greater transparency regarding AI usage should help alleviate some fears held among creatives working within the digital realm.
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