Overview

• SoundCloud has updated its Terms of Use to prohibit using artist-uploaded content to train generative AI models without explicit opt-in consent.
• CEO Eliah Seton clarified in an open letter that SoundCloud has never used artist content to train AI models for music creation or replication purposes.
• The February 2024 terms update, which allowed content to inform AI technologies, drew backlash after artists discovered its broad implications last week.
• Seton acknowledged the previous language was overly broad and committed to transparency, artist control, and blocking third-party scraping of content.
• Critics argue the revised terms still leave room for AI models trained on artists' work to compete indirectly, calling for further clarity and restrictions.