SoundCloud faces backlash after adding an AI training clause in its user terms

SoundCloud is facing backlash from creators who discovered that the platform uses uploaded content to train its AI technologies. The terms of use, updated in February 2024, state that users agree to let their music be used to inform, train, or develop AI systems. Creators are upset, with some deleting their accounts and content. SoundCloud claims it has never used artist content to train AI models and has implemented technical safeguards to prevent unauthorized use. The company believes AI can help expand artists' creative output, but must be used with consent, attribution, and fair compensation. Tech companies have been revising their terms to include AI use, but critics argue that companies should implement more transparent opt-out options or require users to opt in. SoundCloud has been embracing AI, launching new AI tools and joining the "Principles for Music Creation With AI" pledge, committing to uphold ethical and transparent AI practices that respect creators' rights. The Federal Trade Commission has warned companies that quietly altering their privacy policies to use customer data for AI training without proper notice may be unfair or deceptive. SoundCloud has responded, stating that the February 2024 update was intended to clarify how content may interact with AI technologies within its own platform.