SoundCloud's Hidden AI Clause: What Musicians Need to Know

SoundCloud has been in the spotlight recently. A little-known change in their terms of use has raised eyebrows. This change allows the platform to use uploaded music for training AI. It's a move that has sparked conversations among musicians and tech enthusiasts alike. The update happened in February 2024. A clause was added to the terms of use. It states that uploaded content can be used to train AI. This means that any music you upload could potentially be used to improve AI technologies. The clause is clear. It says that unless there's a separate agreement, your content can be used for AI training. SoundCloud has responded to the concerns. They have stated that they have not used artist content to train AI models. They also mentioned that they do not allow third parties to scrape or use content from their platform for AI training. However, they did not directly address whether they plan to use uploaded music for AI training in the future. The company has been exploring AI in various ways. Over the past year and a half, they have rolled out several generative AI products. These products are designed to help with music production and distribution. It's part of a broader trend in the tech industry. AI companies have faced lawsuits for using copyrighted works to train their models. The economic landscape has also played a role. In 2022, SoundCloud announced layoffs due to economic changes. This move highlights the challenges that tech companies face. It also raises questions about how they balance innovation with ethical considerations. Musicians should be aware of these developments. The use of AI in music production is becoming more common. It's important for artists to understand how their work might be used. They should also consider the implications for their creative rights.