Archive — US — techcrunch
SoundCloud changes policies to allow AI training on user content
SoundCloud has updated its terms of use to permit AI training on user-uploaded audio content. This change allows the platform to utilize user content for developing AI technologies without an explicit opt-out option and raises concerns regarding user rights and compensation.
Key points
- SoundCloud silently modified its terms to include provisions for AI training on user content, claiming this right from February 12, 2024.
- The updated terms state that user content may be used to inform and develop artificial intelligence, which users implicitly agree to.
- SoundCloud has licensing agreements with record labels, retaining certain rights for third-party rightsholders.
- The platform emphasizes ethical AI practices but currently lacks an explicit opt-out option for users concerned about content use.
- The trend of platforms allowing AI training on user content has been seen across other services like X, LinkedIn, and YouTube, often facing user backlash for lack of consent.
Why it matters
- The rise of AI technologies in the creative industry reflects broader 2025 IT trends, including enhanced reliance on AI for content creation and management.
- This policy shift by SoundCloud coincides with similar changes from major platforms, indicating a larger movement towards integrating AI in user-generated content ecosystems.
- Recent discussions have highlighted the ethical implications of AI use in creative sectors, particularly the calls for fair compensation and credit for original creators.
SoundCloud's changes to its terms illustrate a growing trend where platforms leverage user-generated content for AI development, raising vital questions about user consent, rights, and compensation amidst the evolving landscape of digital media.