Table of Contents
Streaming giant Deezer has unveiled a new system capable of identifying tracks created by artificial intelligence (AI), in response to a huge increase in the number of AI-generated songs being uploaded to music platforms. According to Deezer, the AI detection system found that approximately 10,000 AI tracks are being uploaded daily—roughly 10% of all music on the platform. This surge is expected to continue as generative AI tools, such as Suno and Udio, make it easier for users to automatically create songs and potentially profit from streaming platforms.
AI in Music: Growing Trend with Potential Risks
The increasing use of generative AI in music creation has sparked concerns among industry stakeholders. These tools allow users to create songs that mimic human compositions, often with the intent of generating revenue from streaming. However, many of these AI-generated tracks are not being streamed at all, and some may be used for fraudulent activities, such as artificially inflating streams to claim revenue from platforms like Deezer.
Aurelien Herault, Chief Innovation Officer at Deezer, explained that while current AI detection tools are effective when trained on specific generative models, they struggle to maintain accuracy when faced with new or unfamiliar models. Deezer has developed a more robust tool capable of detecting AI tracks across multiple platforms and generative models, which represents a significant leap forward in combating AI-driven fraud and ensuring transparency in the music ecosystem.
“We set out to create the best AI detection tool on the market, and we have made incredible progress in just one year,” said Herault.
AI Detection: Addressing Transparency and Protecting Artists’ Rights
Although most AI-generated tracks on Deezer are not streamed, they still present a significant challenge for artists and creators, who may lose revenue due to fraudulent AI-generated content filling the platform’s catalog. Deezer is concerned that the growing prevalence of AI in music could threaten artists’ revenue streams if AI-generated tracks are exploited.
The new system also aims to detect deepfaked voices, where AI technology is used to replicate famous artists’ voices and make it appear as if the track was created by them, raising concerns about copyright infringement and fraudulent activities.
Deezer has made it clear that the detection system won’t necessarily spot tracks that mix AI-generated content with human-created elements. However, the company is determined to safeguard creators by eventually developing a tagging system that can identify fully AI-generated content. This tagging system would allow AI tracks to be excluded from Deezer’s algorithmic and editorial recommendations, ensuring that they do not unfairly compete with human-created music for visibility.
The Future of AI in Music Creation
Deezer’s efforts come at a time when generative AI is rapidly transforming the music industry. While AI’s role in the creative process has the potential to enhance music production, Deezer’s CEO Alexis Lanternier emphasized the importance of responsibility when it comes to its usage.
“Generative AI has the potential to positively impact music creation and consumption, but its use must be guided by responsibility and care in order to safeguard the rights and revenues of artists and songwriters,” Lanternier stated.
As AI continues to evolve, the industry must strike a balance between innovation and protecting the livelihoods of those who rely on their music for income. Deezer’s new system is just one step in addressing the broader issues that arise from the growing influence of AI in the creative industries.
