Sony Music Tackles AI Deepfakes: 135,000 Tracks Removed from Streaming Platforms

Sony Music has taken decisive action against the growing threat of AI-generated “deepfake” music, removing over 135,000 fraudulent tracks from streaming services. The move, announced on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026, highlights the escalating battle between the music industry and increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence technology.

The Rise of AI-Generated Music Fraud

The proliferation of deepfakes – songs created using generative AI to mimic the voices of established artists – has become a significant concern for record labels and artists alike. Sony Music identified that these fraudulent tracks target some of its biggest names, including Beyoncé, Queen, and Harry Styles. The issue isn’t merely about copyright infringement; it’s about potential damage to artists’ reputations and release campaigns.

Dennis Kooker, president of Sony’s global digital business, explained the core problem: “In the worst cases, [the deepfakes] potentially damage a release campaign or tarnish the reputation of an artist. The problem with deepfakes is that they are a demand-driven event. They are taking advantage of the fact that an artist is out there promoting their music. That is when deepfakes are at their worst – building off and benefiting from the demand the artist has created [and] ultimately detracting from what the artist is trying to accomplish.”

Extent of the Problem and Industry Response

While 135,000 tracks have been removed, Sony believes this represents only a fraction of the total number of deepfakes circulating on streaming platforms. Approximately 60,000 songs falsely attributed to Sony artists have been flagged since March 2025. Other artists potentially affected include Bad Bunny, Miley Cyrus, and Mark Ronson.

The music industry is responding with increasing urgency. Deezer has labeled up to 85% of AI-generated music uploaded to its platform as “fraudulent” and has demonetized these tracks. Apple reported demonetizing two billion fraudulent music streams in 2025. Bandcamp took a more drastic step, banning AI-generated music altogether in January 2026.

Legal Battles and Regulatory Shifts

Sony Music is as well pursuing legal avenues to protect its artists’ rights. In August 2025, the label filed a lawsuit against Napster, alleging over $9.2 million in unpaid royalties and licensing fees, seeking at least $36 million in damages for copyright infringement.

Recent regulatory developments also offer potential relief. The UK government recently scrapped plans to allow AI models to be trained on copyrighted material without artist compensation, following significant backlash from the creative industries.

Looking Ahead

The fight against AI-generated music fraud is ongoing. As AI technology becomes more accessible and sophisticated, the music industry will need to continue to innovate and collaborate with technology companies and governments to protect artists and ensure the integrity of the music ecosystem. The industry’s Global Music Report, released by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), showed that recorded music revenues grew by 6.4% year-over-year in 2025, but this growth is threatened by the increasing prevalence of deepfakes and other forms of AI-driven fraud.