Content Moderation
Reviewed and published by trentmaziarz, April 21, 2026. Discovered and drafted by our automated research pipeline.
Sony Music Entertainment uses an AI-assisted process to identify and issue takedown notices against AI-generated songs that impersonate its artists on streaming platforms. As of March 2026, Sony Music had requested the removal of more than 135,000 such tracks from platforms including Spotify and Apple Music.
Details
Sony Music has been conducting a systematic campaign to detect and remove AI-generated deepfake tracks that impersonate artists on its roster — including Beyoncé, Harry Styles, and Queen — from streaming services. The campaign started at least as early as late 2023, when approximately 10,000 takedowns had been issued; by March 2025 that figure had grown to 75,000+, and by March 2026 to 135,000+. Sony has also flagged tens of thousands of uploads falsely claiming attribution to Sony artists. The specific AI detection methods Sony uses internally are not disclosed in available sources; the company has also partnered with third parties such as SoundPatrol for external detection capabilities.
Products affected
Sony Music catalogstreaming platform takedown systems
Sources & Evidence
News Article
Cite this record
Trace Foundation. (2026). Sony Music Entertainment: Sony Music Entertainment uses an AI-assisted process to identify and issue takedown notices against AI-generated songs that impersonate its artists on streaming platforms. As of March 2026, Sony Music had requested the removal of more than 135,000 such tracks from platforms including Spotify and Apple Music (data as of 2026-04-21) [Data set record]. AI Trace. https://www.aitrace.org/r/practice/68fcc055-6402-423d-be7a-eefd05e864eb. Accessed September 11, 2026.
- Stable link
- https://www.aitrace.org/r/practice/68fcc055-6402-423d-be7a-eefd05e864eb
- Data as of
- April 21, 2026
- Last verified
- April 21, 2026
Other practices by Sony Music Entertainment
Creative GenSony Music Entertainment integrated a custom generative AI model into a consumer-facing fan experience, allowing fans to create personalized audio remixes and album artwork from The Orb and David Gilmour's album 'Metallic Spheres In Colour,' in partnership with AI platform Vermillio. The project launched in November 2023 as an artist-led initiative available globally via a dedicated website.ModerationSony Music integrated a collaboration with SoundPatrol, a Stanford University-affiliated AI research lab, to deploy neural fingerprinting technology that detects the presence of original, human-created music within AI-generated compositions. The partnership was announced in September 2025.OtherSony Music Group announced a partnership with Spotify and other major music companies in October 2025 to develop responsible AI music products designed to benefit artists and songwriters, with Sony Music's participation contingent on direct licensing agreements in advance of product launches.
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