The company SoundCloud announced an update to its terms of use following a wave of criticism related to the potential use of uploaded content for training generative AI. Previously, the platform’s rules included wording that allowed the use of users’ music and other materials for AI development. This raised concerns among artists and the community.
SoundCloud CEO Eliah Seton acknowledged that the previous changes were formulated too broadly and unclearly, leading to misunderstandings. According to him, the company has never used user content to train generative models capable of imitating or reproducing the voice, music, or image of authors.
In the updated terms, SoundCloud clearly states that it will not use user uploads to train generative models without their explicit consent. Permission for such actions is possible only through a special mechanism — the user must independently choose this option.
SoundCloud emphasizes that any use of generative AI on the platform will be based on the principles of consent, transparency, and control by the artists. The company also states that such capabilities can only be offered with full awareness and voluntary participation of users.
