Bandcamp prohibits music made ‘wholly or in substantial half’ by AI

Bandcamp has addressed the AI slop drawback vexing musicians and their followers of late. The corporate is banning any music or audio on its platform that’s “wholly or in substantial half” made by generative AI, based on its weblog. It additionally clarified that using AI instruments to impersonate different artists or types is “strictly prohibited” by insurance policies already in place.

Any music suspected to be AI generated could also be eliminated by the Bandcamp staff and the corporate is giving customers reporting instruments to flag such content material. “We imagine that the human connection discovered by music is a crucial a part of our society and tradition, and that music is far more than a product to be consumed,” the corporate wrote.

The announcement makes Bandcamp one of many first music platforms to supply a transparent coverage on using AI tech. AI-generated music (aka “slop”) has more and more been invading music-streaming platforms, with Deezer for one not too long ago saying that fifty,000 AI-generated songs are uploaded to the app each day, or round 34 % of its music.

Platforms have been comparatively gradual to behave in opposition to this development. Spotify has taken some child steps on the matter, having not too long ago promised to develop an trade customary for AI disclosure in music credit and debut an impersonation coverage. For its half, Deezer stated it stays the one streaming platform to signal a worldwide assertion on AI artist coaching signed by quite a few actors and songwriters.

Bandcamp has a stable observe report for artist help, having not too long ago unveiled Bandcamp Fridays, a day that it offers 100% of streaming income to artists. That led to over $120 million going on to musicians, and the corporate plans to proceed that coverage in 2026.