From Billboard · Rachel Scharf · · 1m 10s
Copyright Office Investigates Music Streaming Fraud
U.S. Copyright Office probes AI-driven music streaming fraud schemes and potential solutions.
In brief
U.S. Copyright Office probes AI-driven music streaming fraud schemes and potential solutions. The U.S. Copyright Office launched an inquiry into AI-generated streaming fraud after Rep. Scott Fitzgerald requested an investigation into how generative AI enables fraudulent music streams. Originally reported by Billboard.
Copyright Office Launches Streaming Fraud Inquiry
The U.S. Copyright Office began an investigation into music streaming fraud after Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.) requested it in May 2025.
Public Comments Due November 23
The Copyright Office solicits data and suggestions by November 23 to help Congress understand streaming fraud and potential solutions.
AI Powers Streaming Fraud Schemes
Generative AI enables bad actors to create fraudulent streams, with up to 85% of AI-generated tracks having fake plays in 2025.
First Streaming Fraud Prosecution
Michael Smith was sentenced to prison for generating billions of fraudulent streams using AI, earning over $8 million in fake royalties.
Industry Efforts to Combat Fraud
The Music Fights Fraud Alliance and Streaming Integrity Initiative coordinate anti-fraud efforts among music distributors and streaming services.
Next Steps for Solutions
The Copyright Office seeks input on whether Congress should pass legislation to address AI-driven streaming fraud schemes.
The bottom line
The U.S. Copyright Office launched an inquiry into AI-generated streaming fraud after Rep. Scott Fitzgerald requested an investigation into how generative AI enables fraudulent music streams.
