SoundCloud CEO Clarifies AI Policy Following February Controversy

After the recent controversy regarding a February 2024 update to SoundCloud's Terms of Use, CEO Eliah Seton has sought to clarify the company's AI stance in an open letter to its users.

Why it matters:

• The 2024 update implied users' content could be used to train AI models.

• Seton acknowledges its language was "too broad and wasn't clear enough".

• The Terms have been revised thus: "We will not use your Content to train generative AI models that aim to replicate or synthesize your voice, music, or likeness without explicit consent, which must be affirmatively provided through an opt-in mechanism."

The response:

• As per Digital Music News, Fairly Trained CEO Ed Newton-Rex says the revision doesn't go far enough.

• He claims it leaves the door open for "the much more likely gen AI training: models trained on your work that might not directly replicate your style but that still compete with you in the market."

• "The change required is simple," he adds. "It should just read, 'We will not use your Content to train generative AI models without your explicit consent'."