3 min read
SoundCloud has revised its Terms of Service, now giving itself the right to use user-uploaded audio for artificial intelligence training purposes.
The update, dated February 7, 2024, quietly slipped in without fanfare, but it has caught the attention of creators and tech ethicists alike.
Under the revised policy, users “explicitly agree that your Content may be used to inform, train, develop or serve as input to artificial intelligence or machine intelligence technologies or services.”
This clause makes it clear that unless you’re covered under specific licensing agreements, your music may now be used to feed machine learning systems.
Clarification from SoundCloud
Following the surfacing of this update through reports and tech ethicist Ed Newton-Rex, SoundCloud issued a statement to clarify its current practices.
“SoundCloud has never used artist content to train AI models,” said Marni Greenberg, the company’s SVP and Head of Communications.
She emphasized that SoundCloud does not develop its own generative AI models. She also stated that the platform does not allow third parties to scrape user content for AI training.
Still, Greenberg didn’t rule out future AI usage and stated that technical safeguards, like a “no AI” tag, are already in place to prevent unauthorized training. She also reassured that music under major label agreements is exempt. Individual artists will be able to opt out when applicable.
Despite these assurances, SoundCloud users looking to opt out may find themselves in a bind, no clear setting currently allows users to reject AI usage of their content. This lack of transparency is drawing concern, especially among independent artists who are not protected by label agreements.
SoundCloud’s AI Ambitions and Ethical Promises
Over the past year, SoundCloud has increasingly leaned into AI. The platform has partnered with several vendors to roll out tools for remixing, generating vocals, and creating custom samples.
These initiatives are accompanied by content ID solutions meant to protect and compensate original creators. SoundCloud has pledged to pursue “ethical and transparent AI practices” that “respect creators’ rights.”
Greenberg outlined that future AI applications would support artists, focusing on enhancing recommendation algorithms, playlist generation, and fraud detection. Tools like Musiio, she added, are only used for organizing content and artist discovery, not for training generative AI.
A Growing Trend and a Broader Debate
SoundCloud’s policy change is part of a larger industry pattern. In recent months:
- X (formerly Twitter) updated its privacy terms to allow third-party AI training.
- LinkedIn now permits AI training on user content.
- YouTube has also introduced AI training clauses into its terms.
These changes have fueled public backlash, with many arguing that users should opt in, not be automatically enrolled. Creators continue to call for credit, compensation, and control when their content is used to power AI systems.
