Sony Music removes over 135,000 AI deepfake songs impersonating major artists

The rise of AI-generated music is hitting the industry hard — and Sony Music is taking action.

The music giant has reportedly requested the removal of more than 135,000 tracks created by fraudsters using generative AI to mimic its artists’ voices. These so-called “deepfakes” have targeted some of the biggest names in music, including Beyoncé, Queen, and Harry Styles, raising serious concerns about artist rights and streaming fraud.

According to Sony, these tracks don’t just confuse listeners — they directly impact artists’ earnings and campaigns. In some cases, fake releases have surfaced during key promotional periods, potentially disrupting album rollouts and damaging reputations.

Since March alone, the label has identified around 60,000 impersonation tracks, though it believes this figure only scratches the surface of what’s currently circulating on streaming platforms.

The issue is being fuelled by how accessible AI tools have become, making it easier than ever for bad actors to upload fake songs and even game streaming systems for royalties. Industry insiders estimate that up to 10% of content across platforms could be fraudulent.

At the same time, the global music industry continues to grow. The latest Global Music Report revealed that recorded music revenues rose by 6.4% last year, hitting US$31.7 billion — marking the 11th consecutive year of growth, largely driven by streaming.

Still, the rapid rise of AI-generated content has sparked calls for better regulation and transparency. Industry leaders are pushing for clearer labelling systems so fans can distinguish between human-made tracks and AI-generated material — a move already being explored by platforms like Deezer.

As AI continues to reshape the music landscape, one thing is clear: protecting artist identity and fan trust is becoming just as important as the music itself.