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In response to mounting criticism over its AI policies, SoundCloud has revised its Terms of Use to better protect artists’ rights and clarify its stance on artificial intelligence. The controversy began with a February 2024 update that suggested user-uploaded content could be used to train AI models, leading to widespread backlash from the music community.
SoundCloud CEO Eliah Seton addressed these concerns in an open letter, stating, “AI should support artists, not replace them.” He emphasized that SoundCloud has never used artist content to train AI models and does not permit third parties to do so. The company has now committed to using AI only with explicit user consent, implementing an opt-in mechanism for any future AI training involving user content.
The updated policy also clarifies that SoundCloud’s use of AI is limited to enhancing user experience through features like personalized recommendations, search optimization, and fraud prevention. Seton acknowledged that the previous language in the Terms of Use was too broad and caused confusion, stating, “That’s on us. That’s why we’re fixing it.”
Despite these changes, some critics argue that the revisions may still allow for AI models to be trained on artist content in ways that could indirectly compete with them.
SoundCloud’s updated policy reflects a broader industry trend of grappling with the ethical implications of AI in creative fields. As AI continues to evolve, platforms like SoundCloud are under increasing pressure to balance technological advancement with the rights and interests of human artists.
