BANDCAMP BANS AI-GENERATED MUSIC FROM ITS PLATFORM
Bandcamp has banned AI-generated music from being sold on its platform, citing a commitment to human creativity.
In a statement published on January 13, the music distribution service said the move is part of an effort to “fortify its mission” around AI-generated content, ensuring that musicians can continue to create authentically and that fans can trust the music they discover on Bandcamp was made by humans.
According to the new policy, music created “wholly or in a substantial part” using AI tools will not be allowed on the platform. Bandcamp also emphasized that the use of artificial intelligence to imitate specific artists or musical styles is “strictly prohibited,” reinforcing its existing rules against impersonation and intellectual property infringement.
Bandcamp has also urged users to report any music they believe may have been created using AI tools. The company added that it “reserves the right to remove any music” from the platform if it is suspected of being AI-generated.
In its statement, Bandcamp stressed the importance of preserving human creativity in music, describing the connection between artists and listeners as essential to society and culture. “We believe that the human connection found through music is a vital part of our society and culture,” the company said, adding that “music is much more than a product to be consumed. It’s the result of a human cultural dialogue stretching back before the written word.”
Bandcamp added that the new policy is intended to prioritize human creativity as generative AI continues to evolve. “With this policy, we’re putting human creativity first, and we will be sure to communicate any updates to the policy as the rapidly changing generative AI space develops,” the statement continued.
Bandcamp’s full statement, titled Keep Bandcamp Human, is available to read on the company’s website.
