CHICAGO,June 20,2025
AI music Gets Labeled
Deezer is taking a stand against AI-generated music by tagging tracks,aiming to combat fraudulent streams.
- Deezer will label albums with AI-generated tracks.
- Approximately 18% of daily uploads are now AI-generated.
- Tagged tracks won’t appear in editorial playlists or recommendations.
music streaming platform Deezer announced on Friday its new initiative: labeling albums that contain AI-generated tracks. This move is part of a broader effort to tackle streaming fraud, a growing concern in the music industry.The platform’s commitment to clarity is a direct response to the rising tide of AI-generated music flooding the market.
The company revealed that about 18% of the music uploaded daily-over 20,000 tracks-is now fully AI-generated. Deezer reports that a significant portion of these tracks are designed to fraudulently earn royalties, with roughly 70% of their streams being fake.
To combat this, Deezer will clearly tag AI-generated tracks. These tracks will also be excluded from editorial playlists and algorithm-based recommendations, and fraudulent streams will be filtered out of royalty payments.
Did you know?-Deezer’s move to label AI-generated music is not just about transparency. It’s also aimed at protecting artists’ royalties by filtering out fraudulent streams generated by AI.
The company believes these labels will make a major difference, helping listeners easily tell the difference between human-created music and AI content.
Currently, AI-only songs account for just 0.5% of all streams on Deezer, but the trend is accelerating rapidly.
Reader question:-With AI-generated music on the rise, how do you think streaming platforms should balance innovation with the rights and compensation of human artists?
“We’ve detected a significant uptick in delivery of AI-generated music only in the past few months and we see no sign of it slowing down. It’s an industry-wide issue, and we are committed to leading the way in increasing transparency by helping music fans identify which albums include AI music,” said Deezer CEO Alexis Lanternier in a press release.
Lanternier added,”AI is not inherently good or bad,but we believe a responsible and obvious approach is key to building trust with our users and the music industry. We are also clear in our commitment to safeguarding the rights of artists and songwriters at a time where copyright law is being put into question in favor of training AI models.”
In December 2024, Deezer filed for two patents for its AI Detection technology. The technology is designed to detect “unique signatures” to differentiate between synthetic and authentic content.
The move comes as Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment are reportedly in licensing talks with AI startups Udio and Suno. These startups are facing lawsuits from record companies for copyright infringement, and any deal could perhaps resolve the legal battles.
The Environmental Cost of Algorithms
The rapid evolution of generative AI doesn’t just pose challenges for artists and streaming platforms; it also carries a significant environmental footprint. as AI models continue to be developed and updated, the energy consumption associated with thier creation and use becomes a growing concern. This is an emerging challenge that the music industry, and the tech sector at large, must address.
The growth cycles for AI models are increasingly short. New models are released frequently as companies compete to offer the most advanced applications [[1]]. Each iteration frequently enough requires more computing power, thus leading to an escalation in energy use.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Energy Consumption: Training large language models and other AI applications requires immense computational power.This translates to significant energy usage.
- Rapid Obsolescence: Because new models are continuously introduced,the energy invested in training prior versions can be wasted [[1]].
- Scale and Scope: The number of parameters within models is also constantly increasing, further driving up energy demands.
The environmental impact of AI is a complex issue, but it’s one that the music industry can’t afford to ignore. Consider the implications for the future; as the use of AI-generated music expands, so too will its carbon footprint. This means streaming platforms-along with record labels and tech companies-should seek ways to mitigate these effects. They must consider green initiatives and sustainability.
What can be done to address the environmental impact?
One approach involves optimizing the efficiency of AI models, seeking sustainable energy sources for data centers, and extending the operational lifespan of the models. Evaluating and implementing these strategies will be critical.
It is crucial for the industry to measure and report the carbon footprint linked to its activities and to invest in offsetting initiatives. These could include carbon credits or investing in renewable energy. These efforts will take cooperation across various stakeholders-from tech developers to streaming services-to effectively curb their collective impact.
The industry needs to make sure AI use does not come at the expense of the environment. As the integration of AI continues, the music industry must balance technological advancements with its environmental responsibilities.
How can the music industry balance innovation with its environmental impact?
The industry can promote environmentally-pleasant practices, such as using energy-efficient data centers and optimizing algorithms. The key is to ensure that technological progress is sustainable, without depleting resources or causing harm.
The evolving landscape highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that balances technological progress, artist compensation, and environmental sustainability. This multifaceted challenge requires innovative solutions and a commitment to openness. Notably there are economic aspects as well. For instance, in a world were there’s less worry about job replacement, you’re more likely to accept AI [[2]].
As AI continues to transform the music landscape, the industry must work together to foster a future where creativity, sustainability, and ethical practices coexist.
