Key Takeaways
- SoundCloud faced artist backlash after quietly updating its terms to allow user content for AI purposes.
- The company stated it has never actually used artist tracks to train AI models, despite the new clause.
- SoundCloud clarified the terms update was meant to cover potential AI uses *within* its platform, like music recommendations.
- The platform noted artists can use a “no AI” tag to signal they prohibit unauthorized use of their work.
SoundCloud is clarifying its stance on artificial intelligence after users expressed concern over a recent change to its Terms of Use.
The controversy began when tech ethicist Ed Newton-Rex highlighted an update made back in February 2024. This change seemed to grant SoundCloud permission to use creators’ content to train AI systems, apparently without clearly notifying users.
The updated terms stated that content “may be used to inform, train, develop or serve as input to artificial intelligence.” This understandably caused worry among musicians and creators using the platform.
In response to the backlash, SoundCloud insisted it “has never used artist content to train AI models,” according to Engadget. The company also stated it doesn’t allow third parties to scrape content from its platform for AI training.
A spokesperson explained the terms update was intended only to “clarify how content may interact with AI technologies within SoundCloud’s own platform.”
SoundCloud suggested potential AI uses could include improving music recommendations, creating playlists, or detecting fraud.
The company also pointed out it added a “no AI” tag, allowing artists to explicitly signal their objection to unauthorized uses of their work for AI.
SoundCloud emphasized its commitment to being “artist-first” and promised transparency, although it has previously introduced AI-powered tools for music creation on its platform.
