Deezer makes it easier for rival platforms to take a stance against AI-generated music

In a move aimed at promoting transparency within the music industry, Deezer has announced that it will extend its AI detection technology to other streaming platforms. This initiative follows the introduction of the tool last year, which tags completely AI-generated music for listeners and removes it from algorithmic and editorial recommendations. On Thursday, Deezer revealed that a staggering 85% of streams from fully AI-generated tracks are classified as fraudulent. The platform currently receives around 60,000 AI tracks each day, leading to a total of 13.4 million songs identified as AI-generated. This marks a significant rise, as just last June, fully AI-generated music constituted 18% of daily uploads, with over 20,000 tracks. Deezer's AI music detection tool claims an impressive accuracy rate of 99.8%, effectively identifying tracks produced by major generative models like Suno and Udio. In addition to filtering out AI-generated music from recommendations, the tool also prevents monetization of these tracks and excludes them from the royalty pool, ensuring fair compensation for human musicians and songwriters. CEO Alexis Lanternier has noted a surge of interest in the tool, with various companies already conducting successful trials. One notable collaborator is Sacem, a French management organization representing over 300,000 music creators, including prominent figures like David Guetta and DJ Snake. However, Deezer did not disclose specific pricing details or the identities of other companies interested in utilizing the tool, mentioning instead that costs vary based on the nature of the partnership. Concerns are mounting over AI firms utilizing copyrighted materials for training, as well as fraudulent streaming tactics. A notable case occurred in 2024 when a musician from North Carolina was charged by the Department of Justice for creating AI-generated songs and using bots to inflate streaming numbers, resulting in over $10 million in stolen royalties. As the industry grapples with these issues, different platforms are taking varied stances. Bandcamp has outright banned AI-generated music, while Spotify has revised its policies to clarify the use of AI in music production, aiming to minimize spam and prohibit unauthorized voice clones. Interestingly, major record labels seem to be embracing AI-generated music, having settled lawsuits with companies like Suno and Udio. Last fall, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group struck deals with these startups to license their catalogs, ensuring that artists receive compensation when their work is used for AI model training. Deezer has been proactive in addressing the implications of AI on the music landscape. In 2024, it became the first streaming service to sign a global statement on AI training, joining a roster of renowned creatives such as Kate McKinnon, Kevin Bacon, and Kit Harington. Deezer's recent decision to share its detection tool could set a significant precedent for other streaming services, encouraging them to take similar actions to support human artists and combat fraudulent practices.