SoundCloud’s CEO, Eliah Seton, has responded to criticisms regarding the company’s Terms of Use. Reports surfaced that SoundCloud had quietly updated its terms in February 2024 to allow artificial intelligence training on user-uploaded music. This move sparked backlash from users, prompting Seton to issue a statement clarifying the company’s stance on AI technologies.
In response to the controversy, Seton reassured users that SoundCloud has never used artist content to train AI models. He emphasized that the platform does not engage in activities that seek to mimic or replace the work of artists. Seton explained that the updated Terms of Use aim to enhance SoundCloud’s services for its users by utilizing AI internally for features such as recommendations, search, playlisting, content tagging, and fraud prevention.
SoundCloud has since updated its Terms of Use to ensure that AI training on content uploaded to the platform only occurs with the explicit consent of users. The revised policy specifies that SoundCloud will not use content to train generative AI models without affirmative consent from users. This shift in policy reflects SoundCloud’s commitment to using AI to support artists rather than replace them.
Moving forward, SoundCloud continues to prioritize the development of AI technologies that benefit its users while respecting the rights and preferences of artists. Seton’s statement and the updated Terms of Use aim to provide clarity and transparency regarding the platform’s use of AI in delivering a better experience for its global community of creators and listeners
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