Spotify CEO Daniel Ek recently clarified the company’s stance on AI-generated music, stating that while certain uses of artificial intelligence in music production are acceptable, impersonating human artists without consent is not. The comments come months after Spotify removed a track featuring AI-cloned voices of artists Drake and The Weeknd.
Ek outlined three categories of AI use in music to the BBC: tools like auto-tune that enhance music, tools that mimic existing artists, and a contentious middle ground where AI-created music is influenced by human artists but doesn’t impersonate them. He acknowledged that the platform faces challenges in navigating these categories.
While Spotify allows some forms of AI on its platform, it prohibits the use of its content for training machine learning or AI models capable of producing music. This comes amid growing concerns from artists like Irish musician Hozier, who has spoken against the use of AI in creative fields.
In a separate context, Ek also touched on Spotify’s significant investments in podcasts, including high-profile deals with figures like Michelle and Barack Obama and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. He candidly admitted that while some podcast investments have been successful, others have not met expectations.
Additionally, Ek expressed support for upcoming regulatory bills aimed at online safety and market competition. He continues to criticize the policies of Apple and Google’s app stores, emphasizing the financial burden their commission fees place on Spotify.
