SoundCloud Updates Policies to Permit AI Training with User Content

SoundCloud's Updated Terms of Use: A Closer Look at AI Training

SoundCloud has recently revised its terms of use, introducing a clause that permits the platform to utilize user-uploaded audio to train artificial intelligence. This change, which was quietly implemented, was highlighted by tech ethicist Ed Newton-Rex. The updated terms, effective as of February 7, 2024, state that users explicitly agree to their content being used to "inform, train, develop or serve as input to artificial intelligence or machine intelligence technologies or services" as part of SoundCloud's offerings.

Newton-Rex expressed his concerns on social media, stating, "SoundCloud seems to claim the right to train on people's uploaded music in their terms. I think they have major questions to answer over this." He also noted that the change appeared in the terms on February 12, 2024, after checking the Wayback Machine.

Exceptions and Licensing Agreements

The updated terms include an exception for content covered by "separate agreements" with third-party rights holders, such as record labels. SoundCloud has established licensing agreements with various indie labels and major music publishers, including Universal Music and Warner Music Group. These agreements appear to be outside the scope of the new AI training clause.

User Control and Opt-Out Options

TechCrunch's investigation did not find an explicit opt-out option in SoundCloud's web settings menu. The platform did not immediately respond to requests for comment on this matter.

SoundCloud's Broader Embrace of AI

SoundCloud has been increasingly integrating AI into its services. Last year, the platform partnered with nearly a dozen vendors to introduce AI-powered tools for remixing, generating vocals, and creating custom samples. In a blog post from last fall, SoundCloud emphasized its commitment to ethical and transparent AI practices, ensuring rights holders receive proper credit and compensation through content ID solutions.

Industry Trends and User Backlash

SoundCloud's move aligns with a broader trend among content hosting and social media platforms, which have recently updated their policies to allow AI training on user-generated content. For instance, X (formerly Twitter) updated its privacy policy in October to permit outside companies to train AI on user posts, while LinkedIn amended its terms in September to allow data scraping for AI training. YouTube followed suit in December, allowing third parties to train AI on user clips.

These changes have sparked significant backlash from users who argue that AI training policies should be opt-in rather than opt-out. They also demand recognition and compensation for their contributions to AI training datasets.

SoundCloud's Response

In response to the concerns raised, a SoundCloud spokesperson clarified their stance via email. They emphasized that SoundCloud has never used artist content to train AI models and does not develop AI tools or allow third-party scraping for AI training purposes. They have implemented technical safeguards, including a 'no AI' tag on their site, to explicitly prohibit unauthorized use.

The spokesperson explained that the February 2024 terms update was intended to clarify how content may interact with AI technologies within SoundCloud's own platform. Use cases include personalized recommendations, content organization, fraud detection, and improvements to content identification. Any future application of AI at SoundCloud will be designed to support human artists, enhancing tools, capabilities, reach, and opportunities available to them on the platform. These efforts align with existing licensing agreements and ethical standards, and tools like those from partner Musiio are used to power artist discovery and content organization, not to train generative AI models.

SoundCloud remains committed to open dialogue and ensuring artists retain control over their work. They pledge to keep their community informed as they explore innovation and apply AI technologies responsibly, particularly as legal and commercial frameworks evolve.