This week, Sony Music revealed it has now asked platforms to remove more than 260,000 AI deepfakes impersonating artists including Harry Styles, Adele, and Michael Jackson.
Meanwhile, Suno is facing an investigation in Italy over its terms of service, as scrutiny of AI music platforms continues to grow.
Elsewhere, the US Copyright Office launched a public inquiry into streaming fraud — a day after Michael Smith was sentenced to 18 months in prison over an $8 million AI-song-and-bot scheme.
Also this week, Suno hired Ticketmaster‘s Michael Chua to lead its live music operations, including concert-discovery platform Songkick.
Here are some of the biggest headlines from the past few days…
1. Sony Music has now asked platforms to remove more than 260,000 AI deepfakes imitating artists like Harry Styles, Adele, and Michael Jackson
By the end of September, Sony Music had asked digital platforms to take down more than 260,000 AI-generated tracks impersonating its artists.
That’s almost double the 135,000 tracks it had sought to remove by the end of March, according to the Financial Times, which reported the new figure on Monday (October 5).
To slice the numbers another way: they suggest that, on average, Sony issued over 20,000 AI deepfake takedown requests per month in Q2 and Q3 (April 1 – Sept 30). (MBW)
2. Suno faces investigation in Italy over terms of service
Italy‘s competition authority has opened an investigation into Suno‘s terms of service.
The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) said on Tuesday (October 6) that the AI music company’s terms “may be unfair pursuant to Article 33 of the Consumer Code” because they “may create a significant imbalance in the rights and obligations under the contract, to the detriment of consumers.”
The AGCM‘s concerns include price changes, account terminations, US-based arbitration, and a content license that it says requires users to waive their moral rights. (MBW)
3. Music streaming fraud inquiry launched by US Copyright Office
The US Copyright Office (USCO) has launched a public inquiry into music streaming fraud.
The Office published a notice of inquiry in the Federal Register on Wednesday (October 7), seeking information on how streaming fraud is carried out, its economic impact, and its relationship to AI-generated music.
Written comments are due by November 23, with reply comments due by December 21. (MBW)
4. Michael Smith, man behind $8M AI song and bot streaming fraud, sentenced to 18 months in prison
Michael Smith has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for a streaming fraud scheme that prosecutors say brought him more than USD $8 million in royalties.
US District Judge John G. Koeltl handed down the sentence in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday (October 6), the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York announced.
Smith, 54, of Cornelius, North Carolina, pleaded guilty in March to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. (MBW)
5. Suno hires Ticketmaster’s Michael Chua to lead its live music team, including Songkick
Suno has hired Michael Chua from Ticketmaster as Vice President and General Manager of Suno Live Experiences.
In the role, Chua will lead the AI music company’s live music operations, which include concert discovery platform Songkick.
Suno acquired Songkick from Warner Music Group in November 2025, as part of the licensing agreement that settled WMG’s copyright lawsuit against the company. (MBW)
Partner message: MBW’s Weekly Round-up is supported by BMI, the global leader in performing rights management, dedicated to supporting songwriters, composers and publishers and championing the value of music. Find out more about BMI here. Music Business Worldwide
Weekly Round-up Summary: Music Business Developments
Welcome to the Weekly Round-up from Music Business Worldwide (MBW), where we highlight significant stories shaping the music industry over the past week. This summary is supported by BMI, a leader in performing rights management that advocates for songwriters, composers, and publishers.
1. Sony Music’s Action Against AI Deepfakes
Sony Music has ramped up its efforts to combat AI-generated deepfakes, requesting the removal of over 260,000 tracks that impersonate popular artists such as Harry Styles, Adele, and Michael Jackson. By the end of September, this figure had nearly doubled from the 135,000 requests made by March 2023. The Financial Times reported that this indicates Sony has been issuing more than 20,000 takedown requests each month from April to September 2023. This surge in requests reflects growing concerns about the misuse of AI in music and the potential damage to artists’ reputations and earnings.
2. Investigation into Suno’s Terms of Service
In Italy, the competition authority (AGCM) has launched an investigation into Suno, an AI music platform, concerning its terms of service. The AGCM alleges that the terms may be unfair under Article 33 of the Consumer Code, suggesting they create a significant imbalance in rights and obligations, to the detriment of consumers. Key issues raised include the company’s policies on price changes, account terminations, and the requirement for users to waive moral rights. This scrutiny is part of a broader examination of AI music platforms and their operational practices.
3. US Copyright Office Tackles Streaming Fraud
The US Copyright Office has initiated a public inquiry into music streaming fraud, seeking to understand how it occurs, its economic implications, and its connections to AI-generated music. A notice published in the Federal Register invites comments from the public, with submissions due by November 23, and reply comments by December 21. This inquiry comes in response to growing concerns about the integrity of music streaming and the potential for fraud in the digital age.
4. Sentencing of Michael Smith for Fraud Scheme
Michael Smith has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for his involvement in a fraudulent scheme that generated over $8 million in royalties by exploiting AI-generated music and streaming bots. Smith, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, received his sentence from US District Judge John G. Koeltl in Manhattan federal court. This case highlights the risks associated with the intersection of AI and music, as well as the legal repercussions of fraudulent activities within the industry.
5. Suno Strengthens Leadership with New Hire
Suno has appointed Michael Chua, previously of Ticketmaster, as Vice President and General Manager of Suno Live Experiences. In this role, Chua will oversee the company’s live music operations, including the concert discovery platform Songkick, which Suno acquired from Warner Music Group in November 2025. This strategic hiring reflects Suno’s commitment to expanding its presence in the live music sector and enhancing its offerings for users.
In summary, the music industry is facing significant challenges and transformations driven by the rise of AI technologies. From the ongoing battle against deepfake tracks to regulatory scrutiny of AI music platforms, stakeholders are navigating a complex landscape. The recent legal cases and corporate developments underscore the need for clear guidelines and protections as the industry evolves. As these stories unfold, the implications for artists, consumers, and companies will continue to be closely monitored.
Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks.
