SoundCloud Denies Using User Music To Train AI Models

SoundCloud does not train AI with user music (photo: dock. SoundCloud)

JAKARTA SoundCloud will use user data to train Artificial Intelligence (AI) on its platform. This is recorded in the provisions of the user that were changed recently.

The addition of this provision was discovered by Technologist Ed Newton-Rex on platform X some time ago. If users agree with this provision, all the content they upload will be used to inform or develop AI.

"You firmly agree that your content can be used to inform, train, develop, or function as input for artificial intelligence technology or services," SoundCloud wrote in its user terms.

Apparently, this rule has been added since February 7 and no user has realized it. After this provision was revealed, there were concerns that SoundCloud used all the artist content to train its AI model.

This allegation has been denied by Marini Greenberg, SVP and Head of SoundCloud Communications. To The Verge, Marini explained that they would never use artist content to train their AI model or submit it to third parties.

"soundCloud never uses artist content to train AI models, nor do we develop AI tools or allow third parties to retrieve or use SoundCloud content from our platform for AI training purposes," explains Marni.

Marni added that the purpose of this provision is user interaction with AI technology on the platform. The company only uses user content to recommend music or detect fraud on the platform.

SoundCloud admits that it has never used user data until now even though the regulations have been added a few months ago. The music streaming platform wants to introduce a clear opt-out mechanism first.

"TOS strictly prohibits the use of licensed content, such as music from large record labels, from training any AI model, including a generative AI. For other types of content uploaded to SoundCloud, TOS allows possible AI-related use," explains Marni.