# Copyright Office Investigates Music Streaming Fraud

> U.S. Copyright Office probes AI-driven music streaming fraud schemes and potential solutions.
- Title: Copyright Office Investigates Music Streaming Fraud | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: us copyright office, streaming fraud, generative ai, music industry, rep scott fitzgerald, federal register, music fights fraud alliance, international federation of phonographic, streaming integrity initiative, michael smith, Copyright, Office
- Source: Billboard — https://billboard.com/pro/copyright-office-music-streaming-fraud-inquiry
- Author: Rachel Scharf
- Published: 2026-10-07T19:14:30+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: us copyright office, streaming fraud, generative ai, music industry, rep scott fitzgerald, federal register, music fights fraud alliance, international federation of phonographic, streaming integrity initiative, michael smith
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.