Deezer files two patents for new AI detection tool as 10 000 AI tracks uploaded daily

The French-owned platform, on 24 January, revealed that the advanced tool had already identified approximately 10 000 fully AI-generated tracks being uploaded to its platform daily. This volume represents about 10% of the daily content delivered to Deezer.

Deezer CEO Alexis Lanternier emphasised the platform’s intention to “exclude” fully AI-generated tracks from both algorithmic and editorial recommendations.

“Generative AI has the potential to positively impact music creation and consumption, but its use must be guided by responsibility and care in order to safeguard the rights and revenues of artists and songwriters,” Lanternier stated.

Deezer’s chief innovation officer, Aurelien Herault, explained that the company embarked on developing the detection tool to address the shortcomings of existing solutions.

“Tools available today are highly effective as long as they are trained on data sets from specific generative AI models, but their detection rate drastically decreases when faced with new models or datasets,” Herault said. “We have addressed this challenge and created a tool that is significantly more robust and applicable to multiple models.”

Deezer’s new tool can identify artificially created music generated by leading AI models like Suno and Udio. The platform also allows for detection capabilities to expand to other tools, provided relevant data examples are accessible. Both Suno and Udio, prominent players in generative music AI, have faced legal challenges. Last year, they were sued by major music labels for allegedly training their models on copyrighted music without authorisation. Suno was recently sued by GEMA, Germany’s collection society and licensing body.

Deezer has been one of the most proactive digital service providers (DSPs) in combating the rise of AI-generated and low-quality content. In 2023, the company adopted an “artist-centric” payment model in partnership with Universal Music Group. This model rewards artists with significant fanbases who are actively sought out by users, while discouraging low-quality and “noise” tracks aimed at skimming royalties. Warner Music Group and indie licensing organization Merlin have since joined the initiative in France.

As part of its efforts, Deezer deleted 26 million “useless” tracks from its platform in 2023.

“There’s a lot of duplicated content, there’s a lot of content that is not even music… and at a certain point, you get way too much content that is useless for the users. And it starts creating a bad user experience,” said Jeronimo Folgueira, Deezer’s CEO at the time.

The rise of AI-generated music has sparked concerns among artists, record labels, and publishers. A report by CISAC (International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers) released in late 2024 warned that AI could “cannibalise” up to 24% of music creators’ revenues by 2028.

As the music industry grapples with these changes, Deezer’s proactive measures aim to strike a balance between embracing AI’s creative potential and protecting the rights and livelihoods of artists.