Researchers demonstrate AI-generated music impersonation on streaming platforms
A 404 Media investigation demonstrated how AI-generated music and artwork could be uploaded under a real band's name to major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music in approximately five minutes, potentially allowing scammers to collect royalties for songs the artists never created or authorized.
Researchers conducted a test where they generated a song and cover artwork using AI tools. They then uploaded the track through a digital distribution service, claiming to be a legitimate band. The distributor subsequently sent the track to major streaming platforms, where it appeared under the legitimate artist's name. This process, which took approximately five minutes, demonstrated a method for scammers to potentially divert streaming royalties to themselves instead of the impersonated artist. The report highlights that smaller, independent, inactive, or deceased artists are particularly vulnerable due to a lack of active management monitoring their profiles. Beyond stolen royalties, fraudulent releases could distort listening histories, recommendations, and expose listeners to phishing, malware, or other fraud through associated scam links. Spotify is reportedly testing a feature to allow artists to approve releases, but the broader issue of identity verification by distributors and platforms remains.