SoundCloud Reverses AI Terms of Use Changes

SoundCloud Revisions to Terms of Service Following User Concerns

SoundCloud has announced revisions to its terms of service in response to significant user feedback. This follows a period of controversy surrounding a clause perceived to grant the platform rights to utilize uploaded audio for AI model training.

Initial Policy Update and User Reaction

Earlier this year, SoundCloud implemented updates to its usage policies. These changes contained language that many users understood as providing legal justification for the company to leverage user-uploaded audio in the training of artificial intelligence systems.

While SoundCloud promptly stated that it was not currently employing user content for AI development, the company’s public statement failed to fully address concerns about potential future applications.

CEO Acknowledges Ambiguity

On Wednesday, SoundCloud CEO Eliah Seton released an open letter. In this letter, Seton acknowledged that the revised wording within the terms of service was excessively broad and lacked sufficient clarity.

Seton explained that the initial updates were intended to address internal AI applications within the company. These included features like personalized recommendations and tools designed to mitigate fraudulent activity.

Revised Terms Guarantee User Content Protection

SoundCloud has now modified its terms of service to explicitly state that user content will not be used to train generative AI models.

Specifically, the revised terms ensure that SoundCloud will not utilize uploaded material to replicate or synthesize a user’s voice, music, or likeness through AI.

As stated by Seton, the changes are designed “to make it absolutely clear” that user content is protected from this type of AI-driven replication.