SoundCloud Clarifies No Use of User Music for AI Training and Future Opt-Out Plans

SoundCloud, the popular music-sharing platform, quietly updated its terms of service in February 2024 to include language allowing the potential use of user-uploaded content for training artificial intelligence (AI) models. Despite this update, the company has clarified that it has not used any user-created music for AI training purposes so far.

Marni Greenberg, SoundCloud’s Senior Vice President and Head of Communications, emphasized that the platform does not develop AI tools nor permit third parties to scrape content for AI training. The company has implemented technical safeguards, including a “no AI” tag, to explicitly prohibit unauthorized AI use of its content.

SoundCloud currently uses AI technologies internally for personalized music recommendations and fraud detection, aligning with its stated intent to explore AI applications that enhance user experience without compromising content ownership.

Regarding the possibility of using user content for generative AI training in the future, SoundCloud’s terms explicitly prohibit using licensed content from major labels for such purposes. For other user-uploaded content, the terms allow potential AI use but no such activity has occurred to date.

Importantly, SoundCloud has committed to introducing robust internal permission controls and clear opt-out mechanisms before any future use of user content for generative AI training. This commitment aims to maintain transparency and respect for creators’ rights within the platform’s community.

However, some users and tech ethicists have noted a lack of prominent communication regarding the terms update, raising concerns about how effectively SoundCloud informs its community about significant policy changes affecting AI and content use.

Broader Implications for AI and Content Platforms

SoundCloud’s approach highlights the growing tension between AI innovation and content creator rights. As AI technologies increasingly rely on vast datasets, platforms must balance leveraging AI’s benefits with protecting user-generated content and ensuring creators have control over how their work is used.

Transparent policies, clear opt-out options, and technical safeguards like SoundCloud’s “no AI” tag are essential tools for maintaining trust and compliance in the evolving AI landscape. These measures also set important precedents for other content platforms navigating similar challenges.

For creators and users, staying informed about terms of service changes and understanding how AI might interact with their content is critical. Platforms that prioritize clear communication and user empowerment will lead the way in ethical AI integration.

Conclusion

SoundCloud’s stance on AI training use of user content reflects a cautious and creator-respecting approach amid rapid AI advancements. By committing to transparency and opt-out mechanisms, the platform aims to safeguard artist rights while exploring AI’s potential to enhance user experience.