​Streaming service Deezer to ‘detect and delete’ artist-mimicking AI tracks

Streaming service Deezer has launched new technology to detect and delete any songs on the platform made using AI that might mimic artists and popular tracks.

In an effort to “weed out illegal and fraudulent content”, the platform has developed new software that aims to pick up ‘deepfaked’ tracks, the BBC reports.

It follows a recent surge in songs made using AI, including a collaborative track between Drake and The Weeknd using AI-generated vocals of both artists that went viral in recent weeks. The track was removed from streaming services following a petition made by Universal Music in April.

Speaking to the BBC, Deezer CEO Jeronimo Folgueira explained: "We need to take a stand now – we are at a pivotal moment in music."

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Despite their opposition to mimicking audio, Deezer’s new AI-detection technology was also made using artificial intelligence and machine learning. Folgueira argues that it is a “good use” of AI, as opposed to using the technology to mimic music.

"For example, personally, I would love to see AI bring Whitney Houston back to life, and come up with amazing new tracks with her voice,” he told the BBC.

"But we as an industry need to make sure that AI is used in the right way, that it complies with the law and intellectual property rights and that artists get compensated fairly."

‘Deepfaked’ vocals will be tagged using Deezer’s new software, Folgueira explained, which would then be flagged with labels, artists, and rights holders.

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"We eliminate a huge amount of artists and a huge amount of fake streams every day - and the trend is that this fraudulent behaviour just keeps accelerating," he said.

Last month, Spotify reinstated tracks from AI generator Boomy after allegations that it was “fake streaming”. The AI music application claims to create “original songs” which were uploaded to Spotify, before the streaming service blocked its content over allegations of “stream manipulation”.

The practice of using AI to create music has been welcomed by some artists, including Grimes, who launched new software to mimic her voice in May and offered a 50% royalty cut to any music made using her voice.

[Via BBC]

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter