Why Deezer Labels AI Music and Why It Matters
Deezer labels AI music to bring transparency to music streaming and fight the growing problem of streaming fraud. With nearly 20,000 AI-generated songs uploaded daily, the French streaming platform reports that 70% of their streams are fake—created to exploit royalty systems. By tagging AI-generated tracks, Deezer helps listeners distinguish between human-made songs and those composed by algorithms. This move directly answers growing concerns from both fans and artists about the authenticity of music on digital platforms and the misuse of artificial intelligence in the creative space.
How AI-Generated Music Fuels Streaming Fraud
AI-generated music is rapidly reshaping the music industry, but not always for the better. According to Deezer, only 0.5% of total streams on its platform are AI-exclusive, yet the impact is disproportionately large. Many of these AI tracks are uploaded in bulk with the intent to inflate plays using bots or fraudulent streaming tactics. This allows individuals to siphon off royalties meant for legitimate musicians and songwriters. Deezer's response? Labeling AI music clearly, excluding it from algorithmic recommendations and editorial playlists, and filtering out suspicious stream data from royalty calculations. This system ensures that royalties go to real artists and protects the integrity of streaming data.
Deezer's Stand on Transparency and AI Ethics in Music
Deezer labels AI music not just for fraud prevention but also to build trust within the streaming ecosystem. CEO Alexis Lanternier emphasized that AI isn’t inherently bad—it can support creativity—but unchecked use poses serious ethical dilemmas. The platform wants to lead the industry by example, ensuring users know exactly what they’re listening to. This level of transparency is crucial, especially as AI tools become more accessible and capable of mimicking human artistry. Deezer’s decision aligns with broader concerns about copyright protection and fair attribution as AI-generated content continues to rise across creative fields.
What Listeners and Artists Can Expect from Deezer's New Labels
Listeners browsing Deezer will now find clear tags on albums or tracks that include AI-generated music. These tags won’t just inform users; they’ll also influence how the content is promoted and monetized. Editorial playlists and auto-generated recommendations will exclude fully AI-made songs, giving organic, human-created content a fairer shot at discovery. For artists, this means a stronger defense against being drowned out by machine-made soundscapes. For fans, it’s a chance to support authentic work and make informed listening choices. Deezer’s proactive step could also inspire similar measures across platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music, changing how AI is handled industry-wide.
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