# Streaming Fraud Threatens Songwriters

> AI music fraud steals royalties from songwriters as streaming services face legal pressure.
- Title: Streaming Fraud Threatens Songwriters · Billboard | Shortify
- Summary: AI music fraud steals royalties from songwriters as streaming services face legal pressure. Streaming fraud by AI-generated music and fake streams is…
- Keywords: streaming fraud, ai music, royalties, songwriters, spotify, deezer, nmpa, copyright royalty board, music industry, Streaming, Fraud, Threatens
- Source: Billboard — https://billboard.com/pro/streaming-fraud-hurts-songwriters-find-solutions
- Author: David Israelite
- Published: 2026-10-21T21:29:20+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: streaming fraud, ai music, royalties, songwriters, spotify, deezer, nmpa, copyright royalty board, music industry
## Streaming Fraud Threatens Songwriters
Streaming fraud by AI-generated music and fake streams is diverting royalties from songwriters.
## AI Music Fraud Scale
Spotify and Deezer report billions of fraudulent streams with AI-generated music taking up to 85% of streams.
## Legal Action Against Fraudsters
Michael Smith was sentenced to 18 months in prison for stealing millions in royalties through AI-generated songs.
## Criminal Money Laundering
Criminal gangs use fake Spotify streams to launder money and finance terrorism.
## Spotify's Response
Spotify claims less than one percent of streams are artificial and they mitigate them before payouts.
## NMPA's Solution Plan
The NMPA will hold a Songs Summit to create standards for combating AI-related fraud and streaming fraud.
## Industry Call for Action
Songwriters and publishers need industry-wide standards to stop fraudsters from diverting royalties.
## Key takeaway

Streaming fraud by AI-generated music and fake streams is diverting royalties from songwriters, requiring industry action to address the issue.