Sony Takes Action Against AI-Generated Music Deepfakes

Thu Mar 19 2026 13:03:33 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Sony Music has successfully requested the removal of over 135,000 songs that fraudulently impersonate its artists through AI-generated deepfake technology, raising concerns about their impact on the music industry.

In recent actions, Sony Music announced the removal of 135,000 deepfake songs created by fraudsters impersonating their high-profile artists like Beyoncé and Harry Styles. The company asserts that these counterfeits not only cause substantial commercial harm but also jeopardize artists' promotional efforts. As AI technology becomes increasingly accessible, Sony warns that the prevalence of such deepfakes is likely to escalate, prompting industry leaders to seek measures for better regulation.

Sony Takes Action Against AI-Generated Music Deepfakes

Music giant Sony Music has requested the removal of more than 135,000 songs created by fraudsters impersonating its artists on various streaming services. These so-called deepfakes utilize generative AI technology and have targeted some of the most significant acts under Sony's label, including Beyoncé, Queen, and Harry Styles.

The widespread release of these counterfeit tracks has led to claims of direct commercial harm to legitimate recording artists, with many of them actively promoting new albums. Dennis Kooker, president of Sony's global digital business, emphasized that such fraud not only affects artists' reputations but could also undermine the success of their release campaigns. He stated, In the worst cases, [the deepfakes] potentially damage a release campaign or tarnish the reputation of an artist.

As artificial intelligence evolves, the number of songs generated through these methods is alarmingly rising. Sony estimates that the 135,000 tracks it has identified represent only a small fraction of what has been uploaded to streaming platforms. In just the past year, the company flagged approximately 60,000 songs falsely alleging association with artists on their roster. Other notable victims include Bad Bunny, Miley Cyrus, and Mark Ronson.

Kooker reiterated the opportunistic nature of deepfakes, highlighting how they exploit the public's demand for music during artists' promotional phases. They are designed to capitalize on an artist's current popularity, often diverting attention and revenue away from the original creators.

Industry Revenues Grow

The announcement coincided with the release of the Global Music Report in London, which revealed the recorded music industry saw a 6.4% revenue growth, totaling $31.7 billion last year. This marks the 11th consecutive year of growth, driven primarily by streaming subscriptions, which have revitalized the industry after a period of decline.

As the music landscape continues to shift, concerns about unregulated AI usage and streaming manipulation remain prevalent. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) suggests that up to 10% of content on streaming services may be fraudulent, thus calling for urgent measures to pinpoint and label AI-generated material.

Victoria Oakley, CEO of IFPI, expressed optimism regarding recent discussions surrounding AI regulations, noting a pivotal moment for protecting creativity without hindering innovation. Transparency shouldn't be optional, it's the foundation of a fair and sustainable music ecosystem, she concluded.