Deezer Reveals 70% AI-Generated Music Streams Are Fraudulent

Deezer, a French music streaming platform, is facing a surge in AI-generated music uploads, with approximately 20,000 AI-created tracks added daily, representing 18% of new uploads. While fully AI-generated songs account for just 0.5% of total streams, Deezer reports that up to 70% of streams for these tracks are fraudulent, often generated by bots to inflate listening numbers and illegitimately claim royalty payments. To combat this, Deezer has developed and deployed an AI detection tool capable of identifying 100% AI-generated content from major AI models like Suno and Udio, and has implemented an AI tagging system that labels albums containing AI music and excludes such tracks from algorithmic and editorial recommendations. Deezer's CEO Alexis Lanternier emphasized the company's commitment to protecting artists' rights amid challenges posed by AI and copyright law uncertainties. The platform's anti-fraud measures are part of a broader industry struggle against the exploitation of generative AI, which has led to legal actions against AI companies for copyright violations and highlighted the need for ongoing vigilance against royalty fraud. Deezer's experience illustrates how AI-generated content can disrupt the music industry by diluting artist revenues and complicating content discovery on streaming services.