DistroKid Removes Songs in Response to UMG’s Streaming ‘Slop’ Lawsuit
UMG accused the distributor last month of flooding the internet with "mass AI-generated, SEO-optimized, and copyright-infringing slop."
DistroKid removed a small number of user uploads in response to Universal Music Group's (UMG) lawsuit accusing the independent distributor of flooding streaming platforms with "AI-generated, SEO-optimized, and copyright-infringing slop." The takedowns were reported after disgruntled DistroKid users shared the news on social media, with The Verge being the first to report the move.
UMG claims DistroKid has been siphoning money from the royalty pool in two ways: by flooding platforms with massive amounts of AI-generated music and by distributing obviously infringing tracks. DistroKid's VP of Artist Services, Amanda Ferri, confirmed the news to Billboard, stating that the company strongly disputes the allegations and regrets the disruption to affected artists.
However, it remains unclear which type of music was subject to the removals. Some users complained that the removed songs were neither AI-generated nor unlicensed, while others have also criticized DistroKid's slow customer service responses. The lawsuit against DistroKid marks a significant new front in the music industry's attempts to combat mass-generated AI music, with major players like UMG already involved in litigation against AI training companies like Suno.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
