SoundCloud just dropped some huge news! The popular audio distribution platform is taking some big steps to change how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used. Beginning on February 12, 2024, SoundCloud made these changes. These modifications make it possible for the platform to benefit from user-uploaded content to improve and create AI technologies. This decision is part of an ongoing effort to improve overall user experience. It rolls out a bunch of nifty new AI powered tools to remix songs, generate vocals, and create samples.
It’s like a beta pilot Last year, SoundCloud collaborated with a dozen vendors to add advanced AI features to its platform. This program will help give creators new tools to enrich their music and connect with their fans. Throughout the announcement, SoundCloud pointed to its continuing push to protect the idea that creators—particularly rights holders—should be recognized and properly compensated for their work.
To do this, SoundCloud released a blog post last fall. They declared that their partners would have access to content ID solutions, making sure rights holders are given the right credit and rewarded. This indicates the company’s intent to uphold ethical standards while introducing AI technology that could potentially reshape the music creation landscape.
Under the new terms, SoundCloud is free to use any uploaded content to train its AI systems. While we applaud this move, it has understandably raised concerns among users and industry experts. The specific clause reads: “You 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 as part of and for providing the services.”
SoundCloud’s move has caused myriad reactions from all musicians and music lovers alike. Music industry veteran Ed Newton-Rex expressed his fears about the precedent this change could set. He said, “SoundCloud appears to reserve the right to train on users’ uploaded music in their terms. And, frankly, I think they have serious and significant questions to answer over this.”
Further, SoundCloud has implemented a community-specific carve-out for content covered by such “other agreements” with third-party rightsholders, record labels, etc. This service addition really does clarify a growing area. Without express agreements, not every piece of user-uploaded content may be used for AI development.
With the rising global conversation surrounding ethical AI practices, SoundCloud has promised to prioritize transparency and respect for creators’ rights. The platform has long touted its dedication to artists getting paid fairly. Most importantly, it makes sure that artists are fully credited when their work sits alongside AI technologies.
The introduction of these AI tools and updated policies signifies a pivotal moment for SoundCloud as it navigates the intersection of technology and creativity. Users of the platform are being empowered with exciting new tools and resources. It’s a big step forward in addressing the copyright and compensation issues facing musicians in this rapidly evolving digital industry.
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