The IFPI has launched the Streaming Integrity Initiative (SII), committing participants to baseline practices to prevent, detect and respond to streaming fraud. Supporters include ADA, AWAL, CD Baby, Ditto Music, FUGA, HYBE, Merlin, Sony Music Group, The Orchard, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, among others. Distrokid has not yet signed on.
Participants commit to five core practices: Know Your Customer (KYC) checks to verify rights ownership and identities; content vetting to identify infringement and fraudulent activity; detection and mitigation of suspected fraud; intelligence sharing to prevent offenders moving between services; and continuously strengthening anti-fraud systems.
Streaming fraud—the manipulation of digital service providers to siphon royalties from non-genuine plays—costs artists and platforms hundreds of millions or billions annually, according to industry experts. Deezer reported earlier this year that up to 80% of streams on AI-generated songs are artificial.
“Streaming fraud misleads fans and deprives legitimate artists and songwriters of income,” said Victoria Oakley, CEO of IFPI. “This is theft, plain and simple.”
SII is part of the IFPI’s wider End Streaming Fraud campaign. While the initiative liaises with the U.S.-based Music Fights Fraud Alliance, it is not directly connected to that coalition.
Source: Billboard
