AI-generated fake albums fraudulently uploaded under real artists' names on streaming platforms
Musicians reported finding AI-generated fake albums fraudulently uploaded to their accounts on Spotify and Apple Music without authorization. The fraudsters reportedly exploited weak authentication systems on streaming platforms to impersonate artists and collect copyright revenues under their names.
What happened
British folk musician Emily Portman discovered in July 2025 an album called 'Orca' in her Spotify and Apple Music catalogues that she had not created. The album contained AI-generated songs that resembled her previous work in title and style, but featured artificial vocals and meaningless lyrics.
Australian musician Paul Bender discovered four AI-generated songs in his group The Sweet Enoughs' profiles in 2025. Bender found numerous other suspicious albums in catalogues of deceased artists, including Scottish artist Sophie. Fraudsters reportedly accessed streaming platforms without strong authentication, simply claiming to be the artists to upload content.
Reported impact
Artists were disturbed that listeners might attribute AI-generated content to them or enjoy the artificial work. Portman was concerned people could think she had released the material or prefer the artificial perfection to her real work.
UK Music stated the fraudulent songs were uploaded under artists' real names 'to perceive the associated copyright rights.' Paul Bender launched a change.org petition that collected over 24,000 signatures calling for platforms to strengthen security.
Index analysis
Portman noted the AI-generated titles resembled works she could have written, but stated upon careful listening the album was clearly AI-generated. Bender described the four songs as 'horrible and strangely bad.'
Governance controls
Streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music operate without passwords or strong authentication systems for uploading music, according to Bender. He explained fraudsters need only claim 'I am' the artist and add songs to anyone's profile.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.