Spotify has announced a sweeping set of new policies aimed at curbing the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in music uploads and ensuring fair royalty distribution. The move comes as the streaming industry faces a surge in AI-generated tracks, raising concerns about authenticity, fraud, and artist protection.
The updated framework introduces three key measures targeting impersonation, spam uploads, and AI transparency in music credits.
- Stricter Rules Against Impersonation
Spotify is enforcing a new impersonation policy that bans unauthorized AI voice clones, deepfakes, and vocal replicas. The platform is also intensifying its fight against “content mismatches,” where fraudulent actors upload songs under another artist’s profile.
“Vocal impersonation is only allowed in music on Spotify when the impersonated artist has authorized the usage,” the company stated. Spotify added: “Unauthorized use of AI to clone an artist’s voice exploits their identity, undermines their artistry, and threatens the fundamental integrity of their work. Some artists may choose to license their voice to AI projects—and that’s their choice to make. Our job is to ensure that choice stays in their hands.”
- AI-Powered Spam Filtering
The second measure is a dedicated spam filter designed to detect and remove fraudulent AI-driven uploads. This includes mass uploads, duplicate tracks with altered metadata, SEO manipulation, and tracks barely longer than 30 seconds, which are often exploited to generate streaming royalties.
- Industry Standard for AI Disclosures
In a push for greater transparency, Spotify is backing the development of a new AI disclosure standard through the Digital Data Exchange (DDEX). This system allows artists and rightsholders to clearly state how AI contributed to a track—whether through vocals, instrumentation, or post-production.
The initiative has gained wide industry support, with partners including Amuse, Believe, CD Baby, DistroKid, Downtown Artist & Label Services, EMPIRE, FUGA, IDOL, Kontor New Media, Soundrop, and more.
Cracking Down on Fraudulent Content
Spotify also revealed that it had removed over 75 million “spammy tracks” from its platform in the past year alone, underscoring the scale of the challenge. With these new policies, Spotify aims to strike a balance between embracing AI’s creative potential and protecting artists from exploitation. The measures signal a growing industry-wide effort to set clear rules for AI in music—ensuring innovation doesn’t come at the cost of authenticity or fairness.
