In the evolving landscape of digital platforms and artificial intelligence, questions surrounding data ownership and user consent are becoming increasingly critical. For many in the crypto and tech space, understanding how centralized entities handle valuable user data is paramount. A recent development at SoundCloud, a popular audio distribution platform, has brought these concerns into sharp focus, particularly regarding SoundCloud AI training on user-uploaded content. Understanding the SoundCloud AI Training Policy Change SoundCloud has reportedly updated its terms of use, a move that appears to grant the company permission to utilize user-uploaded audio for training artificial intelligence models. This change was highlighted by tech ethicist Ed Newton-Rex. According to the updated terms, which were last revised on February 7, 2024, users now explicitly agree that their content may be used to “inform, train, develop or serve as input to artificial intelligence or machine intelligence technologies or services.” Ed Newton-Rex noted via social media that this specific clause seems to have been introduced around February 12, 2024. This suggests a relatively recent addition to the platform’s policy framework. Implications for Creator Content AI The primary concern raised by this policy update revolves around creator content AI usage. Artists, musicians, podcasters, and other audio creators who upload their work to SoundCloud are essentially providing the raw material that could be used to train AI models. While SoundCloud states this is part of “providing the services,” the implications for creators are significant. It raises questions about: Consent: Was this change adequately communicated to users, or was it a “quiet” update to the terms? Compensation: Will creators whose content is used for training receive any form of credit or payment? Control: Do creators retain any control over whether their specific work is used for AI training? The terms do mention a carve-out for content under “separate agreements” with third-party rightsholders like record labels. This suggests that licensed content from major publishers like Universal Music and Warner Music Group might be subject to different rules, but the situation for independent creators or those without such agreements remains less clear. The Broader Trend in Platform AI Policies SoundCloud is not alone in making such changes. This development is part of a broader trend where major content hosting and social media platforms are amending their policies to facilitate user data AI training . Recent examples include: X (formerly Twitter): Updated its privacy policy in October 2023 to allow outside companies to train AI on user posts. LinkedIn: Amended its terms in September 2023 to permit scraping user data for training purposes. YouTube: Began allowing third parties to train AI on user clips in December 2023. These changes reflect the increasing demand for vast datasets to fuel AI development across various industries. However, they also highlight a growing tension between platform innovation and user rights. Navigating the AI Policy User Data Landscape The shift towards platforms using AI policy user data for training has often been met with user backlash. A common point of contention is the preference for an opt-in model rather than an opt-out. Users argue that they should have explicit control over whether their contributions are used for AI training and that they should be credited and potentially compensated for the value their data provides to these training sets. SoundCloud’s previous statements on AI suggest an awareness of these concerns. Last year, the platform partnered with AI vendors and mentioned implementing content ID solutions to “ensure rights holders receive proper credit and compensation.” They also pledged to “uphold ethical and transparent AI practices that respect creators’ rights.” The recent terms update allowing AI training on user content will test these commitments and require clear communication and potential opt-out mechanisms to build user trust. As of the original report, an explicit opt-out option within SoundCloud’s settings was not readily apparent. The platform had not yet responded to requests for comment on the policy change. Summary: What This Means for Users The reported update to SoundCloud’s terms allowing platform AI policies to include training on user-uploaded audio is a significant development. It places SoundCloud alongside other major platforms leveraging user data for AI development. While this could potentially lead to improved services, it raises crucial questions about user consent, data ownership, and compensation for creators. Users of the platform should be aware of this change and consider its implications for their content and data rights in the age of AI. To learn more about the latest AI policy trends, explore our article on key developments shaping AI platforms and user data rights.
