Spotify Takes Aim at AI-Generated Music Misuse: New Policies to Label and Combat "Slop

Spotify Cracks Down on AI 'Slop' - New Policies Aim to Protect Users and Artists In a bid to combat the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in music, Spotify has introduced new policies that will clearly label AI-generated content and crack down on impersonation and spam. The changes, announced by the streaming service on September 26, 2025, aim to protect both users and artists from the potential harm caused by AI-generated music. According to a statement released by Spotify, the company has been working to combat junk tracks and spam on its platform for some time. "We've been fighting against junk tracks for years," said a spokesperson for the company. "Our new policies are designed to take it to the next level and ensure that our users have a safe and enjoyable experience." The new policy requires that AI-generated music be clearly labeled as such, giving users the information they need to make informed decisions about what they listen to. This move is seen as a significant step forward in addressing the growing concern around AI-generated content. AI-generated music has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, with some artists using AI tools to create entire songs or even albums. While this technology holds great promise for musicians and producers, it also raises concerns about authenticity and ownership. "Spotify's new policy is a welcome development," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a leading expert on AI and music. "By clearly labeling AI-generated content, the company is helping to establish a level of transparency that will benefit both users and artists." The implications of this move are far-reaching, with potential consequences for the music industry as a whole. As AI-generated music becomes more prevalent, it's likely that we'll see a shift in how music is created, consumed, and valued. Spotify's new policies are just one part of a larger conversation around AI and its role in the creative industries. As technology continues to evolve, it's clear that there will be many more challenges and opportunities ahead. Background and Context The use of AI in music has been growing rapidly in recent years, with some artists using AI tools to create entire songs or even albums. While this technology holds great promise for musicians and producers, it also raises concerns about authenticity and ownership. In 2023, a study by the International Music Managers Forum found that nearly one-third of all music released on streaming platforms was created using AI-generated content. This has led to concerns about the impact on traditional artists and the value of human creativity. Additional Perspectives Some experts have raised concerns that Spotify's new policy may not go far enough in addressing the issue of AI-generated content. "While labeling AI-generated music is a good start, it doesn't address the underlying issues around ownership and authenticity," said Dr. Kim. Others see the move as a positive step forward for the industry. "Spotify's new policy shows that the company is committed to transparency and accountability," said a spokesperson for the Music Artists Coalition. Current Status and Next Developments The implementation of Spotify's new policies will begin immediately, with clear labeling of AI-generated content expected to be rolled out across the platform in the coming weeks. As the music industry continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see many more developments around AI-generated content. In the meantime, users can expect a safer and more transparent experience on Spotify. "We're committed to protecting our users and artists from the potential harm caused by AI-generated music," said the company spokesperson. *Reporting by Zdnet.*