SoundCloud has responded to a backlash over its terms and conditions by revising a clause covering AI.
The platform updated its terms earlier this year by amending the wording in a way that could have suggested the company would be able to train AI with its users’ content.
SoundCloud denied that AI was being trained on music uploaded to the platform, but it has now revised the wording of the terms and published an open letter from CEO Eliah Seton.
“SoundCloud has never used artist content to train AI models,” wrote Seton “Not for music creation. Not for large language models. Not for anything that tries to mimic or replace your work. Period. We don’t build generative AI tools, and we don’t allow third parties to scrape or use artist content from SoundCloud to train them either.”
SoundCloud has already put protections in place like a “no AI” tag that explicitly signals content on SoundCloud can’t be used for AI training.
“At SoundCloud, protecting artist rights isn’t new for us and being artist-first isn’t a slogan,” added Seton. “It’s core to who we are and always will be. It’s in our DNA.”
SoundCloud has never used artist content to train AI models
Eliah Seton
Seton said the terms were updated in February to allow for the use of AI to “improve the platform for both artists and fans. This includes powering smarter recommendations, search, playlisting, content tagging, and tools that help prevent fraud.”
“Our use of AI is focused on discovery – helping fans find new music and helping artists grow, starting with their first fans,” he added. “That’s core to our mission. Three years ago we expanded our AI and machine learning capabilities through the acquisition of Musiio which significantly improved how we connect creators with listeners, fuel music discovery and help rightsholders identify what’s next.
“Since then, through First Fans, our recommendation algorithm for Artist Pro subscribers, we've delivered over seven million track recommendations to potential new listeners, helping artists get heard faster and get discovered.
“More broadly, we use AI to identify emerging talent, personalise the platform experience, and support real-time customer service, all designed to support human artists and engage real fans. AI has been, and will continue to be, a key part of how we improve SoundCloud for the people.”
Seton acknowledged that the language in the terms of use was “too broad and wasn’t clear enough”.
“It created confusion, and that’s on us,” he wrote. “That’s why we’re fixing it.”
The row comes amid a campaign in the UK over the Data (Use and Access) Bill with concerns among artists and the industry over protections from AI.
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