Sony Music Requests Removal of Over 135,000 AI-Generated Deepfake Songs Impersonating Its Artists from Streaming Platforms

Sony Music has taken action against the rising tide of AI-generated music by requesting the removal of more than 135,000 songs from various streaming services. These tracks were created by fraudsters using artificial intelligence to mimic the voices and musical styles of prominent artists signed to the label, including Beyoncé, Queen, Harry Styles, Bad Bunny, Miley Cyrus, and producer Mark Ronson. The company highlighted that this figure represents only a portion of the problem, with at least 60,000 such fake songs identified since March 2025 alone. Dennis Kooker, President of Sony’s Global Digital Business, expressed concerns that these deepfakes can undermine artists’ promotional efforts, damage release campaigns, and potentially harm their reputations. He noted that the surge in deepfakes is often demand-driven, capitalizing on heightened fan interest during major artist promotions. Streaming platforms like Spotify do not currently mandate clear labeling for AI-generated content, which contributes to the ease with which these tracks circulate. The issue echoes previous incidents, such as deepfakes targeting deceased artist Blaze Foley and rapper Tyler, the Creator around his album release. As AI tools become more accessible and affordable, Sony warns that the volume of unauthorized AI music is expected to keep rising, posing ongoing challenges to the integrity of the music industry and artists’ rights.