Sony Music has requested removal of more than 260,000 AI deepfake tracks from digital platforms, nearly double the number reported in March, when the major music company had sent 135,000 takedown requests.
A Sony Music spokesperson told Billboard that the generative AI deepfake tracks imitate artist voices and likenesses without permission. “It’s almost double what we saw earlier this year. It’s happening at scale, and harms artists, misleads fans and undermines the ethical use of AI,” the spokesperson said. “Every fraudulent stream takes money away from the artists and songwriters whose music is being listened to.”
The company said it will continue enforcing artist rights and expects platforms to act quickly to prevent content reappearing, but acknowledged “it’s becoming an uphill struggle.”
Currently, no federal U.S. law prevents use of an artist’s name, image, likeness or voice in AI deepfakes. Protection exists only through an uneven patchwork of state-level laws. A voluntary notice-and-takedown procedure created by major labels and streaming services has helped companies like Sony manage the growing number of deepfakes.
The music industry is pushing for passage of the NO FAKES Act, which would give individuals the right to authorize use of their voices and likenesses in AI deepfakes. The bill, formally introduced in 2024, includes carveouts for news, parody, documentary and sports. Last week it reached the Senate floor with nearly unanimous support, though Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) blocked it citing concerns about satire and political commentary.
According to French streaming service Deezer, more than 90,000 fully AI-generated tracks are uploaded daily, though only a fraction qualify as deepfakes.
Source: Billboard
