“`html
SoundCloud CEO Addresses AI Training Concerns, Updates Terms of Use
Table of Contents
By Anya Schmidt | LOS ANGELES – 2025/06/01 15:11:38
Following user concerns regarding the platform’s stance on Artificial Intelligence (AI), as outlined in its Terms Of Use, SoundCloud CEO Eliah Seton has issued a response.
Earlier this month, reports indicated that SoundCloud had updated its terms and conditions in February 2024, suggesting that users would “explicitly agree” to have their content used for AI training by continuing to use the platform.
The original policy stated: “You explicitly agree that your Content might potentially be used to inform, train, develop, or serve as input to artificial intelligence technologies as part of and for providing the services.”
In response to the ensuing social media discussion,Seton has provided clarification on “how content may interact with AI technologies within soundcloud’s own platform”.
Soundcloud has decided to tarnish their legacy by…. using your music to train AI pic.twitter.com/3NuRrumih9
– Weaver Beats (@weaverbeats) May 10, 2025
“SoundCloud has never used artist content to train AI models. Not for music creation. Not for large language models. Not for anything that tries to mimic or replace your work,” he said.
“We don’t build generative AI tools, and we don’t allow third parties to scrape or use artist content from SoundCloud to train them either.”
“Our position is simple: AI should support artists, not replace them,” he added.”Any use of these tools on SoundCloud will continue to reflect that.”
Seton further explained that the Terms Of Use updates from February were intended to clarify how “we may use AI internally” to enhance SoundCloud for its users.This includes “powering smarter recommendations, search, playlisting, content tagging, and tools that help prevent fraud”.
Updated AI Policy
“SoundCloud has never used artist content to train AI models… Not for anything that tries to mimic or replace your work.”
SoundCloud has since revised its Terms Of Use, stipulating that AI training will only occur on content uploaded to the platform with explicit user consent.
The updated policy now states: “We will not use Your Content to train generative AI models that aim to replicate or synthesize your voice, music, or likeness without your explicit consent, which must be affirmatively provided through an opt-in mechanism.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are artists concerned about AI training?
Artists are concerned that AI models trained on their content could replicate their work without permission, perhaps infringing on copyright and reducing their income.
What does “explicit consent” mean in the context of AI training?
“Explicit consent” means that users must actively and affirmatively agree to allow their content to be used for AI training,typically through an opt-in mechanism.
How do AI recommendations improve user experience?
AI algorithms analyze user listening habits to suggest new music, create personalized playlists, and enhance content revelation, leading to a more engaging and tailored experience.
