[EDMTunes] Brazilian Man Arrested For Uploading Over 400 Fake Songs To Spotify

Brazilian authorities have apprehended and formally charged an individual implicated in a sophisticated scheme involving the fraudulent upload of over 400 counterfeit music tracks to the Spotify platform. The accused, whose identity remains undisclosed, is alleged to have amassed approximately $65,000 through the manipulation of streaming statistics, garnering over 28 million plays.  

The arrest, a culmination of “Operation Out of Tune,” was executed by Cyber Gaeco, the cybercrime division of the Prosecutor’s Office of the State of Goiás. This operation was conducted in collaboration with the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the Brazilian recorded music trade group Pro Música, and the Association for the Protection of Phonographic Intellectual Rights (APDIF).  

Investigations revealed further instances of copyright infringement, including the alleged misappropriation of 36 tracks belonging to local composers, disseminated through promotional WhatsApp groups. These illicit tracks and associated fabricated artist profiles have since been removed from Spotify at the request of the prosecutor’s office. Notably, the investigation also uncovered the potential use of artificial intelligence in the generation of these fraudulent tracks, a facet that may be incorporated into future charges.

AI And Music Creation

The exploitation of generative AI for the creation of high-volume music content, intended to artificially inflate streaming revenues, has emerged as a significant concern within the music industry. This issue has prompted streaming services, such as Spotify and Deezer, to implement revised payout models, designed to mitigate the impact of such manipulative practices. Spotify, for instance, now mandates a minimum of 1,000 plays within a 12-month period for tracks to qualify for monetization. Deezer has shifted to a payment system that prioritizes streams from popular artists and high-performing tracks.  

Victoria Oakley, CEO of IFPI, condemned the fraudulent activity, characterizing it as “theft, stealing directly from artists and betraying fans.” She commended the efforts of the State of Goiás prosecutor’s cybercrime unit and emphasized the organization’s commitment to collaborating with global authorities to combat such illicit practices. Paulo Rosa, President of Pro-Música Brasil, echoed these sentiments, highlighting streaming manipulation as a paramount concern for the music sector and pledging continued collaboration with Brazilian authorities.  

*Cover image: Tima Miroshnichenko

[H/T] Music Business Worldwide

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