Sony Music Group has removed more than 135,000 unauthorized AI-generated deepfake tracks from online platforms. This move marks one of the biggest crackdowns on generative artificial intelligence in the music industry.
The company shared this update in a recent letter to shareholders. It explained that the action is part of a broader plan to protect the intellectual property and vocal identity of its artists.
These removed tracks relied on voice cloning technology. They copied the voices of popular performers without permission. Sony believes this trend threatens both creativity and revenue.
Dennis Kooker, President of Global Digital Business at Sony Music, highlighted the seriousness of the issue.
“Deepfakes intentionally exploit an artist’s talent and reputation to steal that income stream. Every stream of a deepfake takes streams and royalty payments away from the legitimate artist.”
Sony also warned that AI-generated music is growing rapidly. This growth could disrupt the traditional music ecosystem. While the company supports ethical AI innovation, it rejects the use of its catalog without proper licensing.
To address this, Sony has sent warnings to over 700 tech companies and streaming platforms. It asked them to confirm whether its music was used to train AI systems.
The company also pointed out the financial impact of deepfake content on artists.
“They are taking advantage of the fact an artist is out there promoting their music. That is when deepfakes are at their worst—building off and benefiting from the demand the artist has created.”
This crackdown follows viral AI songs that copied major artists like Drake and The Weeknd. These cases have sparked global debates about ownership and personality rights.
Sony continues to focus on detection tools and legal enforcement. The company aims to set a strong example as AI reshapes the future of music.
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