OtherVerified

SoundCloud integrated DataDome's AI-powered bot and fraud detection platform to automatically identify and block fraudulent traffic, fake plays, fake account creation, and credential-stuffing attacks across its web, mobile, and API endpoints.

Details

SoundCloud partnered with DataDome and AWS to protect against inauthentic activity including fake plays that could skew recommendation algorithms, spam comments, automated account creation, and account takeover attempts. SoundCloud's SVP of Engineering noted the platform had previously built its own in-house detection models but transitioned to DataDome for more accurate, real-time detection. DataDome's machine learning system analyzes behavioral signals in real time to distinguish genuine fans from bots or fraudsters. SoundCloud has also confirmed that detecting fraudulent activity is one of the stated use cases for AI in its updated February 2024 Terms of Service.

Products affected

SoundCloud platform (all users)SoundCloud for Artists

Sources & Evidence

Company Disclosure

SoundCloud changes policies to allow AI training on user content

TechCrunch·May 2025

https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/09/soundcloud-changes-policies-to-allow-ai-training-on-user-content/

Company Disclosure

How SoundCloud Beats Fraudulent Traffic with DataDome and AWS

DataDome·Jan 2024

https://datadome.co/customers-stories/how-soundcloud-beats-fraudulent-traffic-with-datadome-and-aws/

Other practices by SoundCloud

RecommendationSoundCloud deployed an AI-driven autoplay and discovery feed that recommends music to listeners based on their listening history, genre preferences, and user activity. The system surfaces tracks in playlists, autoplay queues, and personalized feeds across the platform.RecommendationSoundCloud deployed an AI feature called First Fans that automatically recommends newly uploaded tracks to listeners most likely to enjoy them, even before a song has accumulated any plays. The feature is available to Artist and Artist Pro subscribers on the platform.OtherSoundCloud updated its Terms of Service in February 2024 to include language stating that users agree their content may be used to 'inform, train, develop or serve as input to artificial intelligence' as part of providing the platform's services. Following public backlash in May 2025, SoundCloud's CEO issued a letter clarifying that no user content had been used to train generative AI models, and the company revised its terms to explicitly prohibit training generative AI on user content without opt-in consent.

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