Brief
U.S. Copyright Office launches inquiry into AI‑driven music‑streaming fraud
The agency is asking for data on schemes, economic impact and possible legislative solutions.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The U.S. Copyright Office announced on Oct. 7 that it is opening a formal inquiry into music‑streaming fraud, specifically the role of generative AI in facilitating illegal streams. The notice in the Federal Register asks for public comments on the prevalence of fraud, its economic impact and potential remedies, with submissions due by Nov. 23.
What happened
The inquiry follows a May‑2025 letter from Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R‑Wis.) urging the Office to examine how AI can be used by criminals to inflate streaming numbers. The agency’s notice requests data on the types of schemes most common, the scale of lost royalties and whether Congress should legislate a solution.
What the report adds
Billboard notes that streaming fraud siphons royalties because digital service providers allocate payouts from a fixed pool, meaning fake plays divert money from legitimate rightsholders. A 2025 Deezer report cited in the article found up to 85% of streams on fully AI‑generated tracks were fraudulent, and the rise of “agentic AI” has made bot farms easier to operate.
What was said
The Copyright Office’s notice quoted the agency’s goal to “contribute to Congress’s understanding of streaming fraud, current efforts to curb this problem and potential solutions.” Rep. Fitzgerald’s letter, as reported, specifically asked the Office to look at AI as a catalyst for fraud.
How it came about
Industry groups such as the Music Fights Fraud Alliance (formed in 2023) and the IFPI’s Streaming Integrity Initiative have already begun coordinated anti‑fraud efforts, but the federal inquiry marks the first formal government‑led data‑gathering effort on the issue.
Key facts
- The U.S. Copyright Office opened an inquiry into music‑streaming fraud on Oct. 7, 2026. (billboard.com)
- Public comments are accepted until Nov. 23, 2026. (billboard.com)
- Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R‑Wis.) prompted the inquiry with a May‑2025 letter. (billboard.com)
- Deezer reported up to 85% of streams on fully AI‑generated tracks were fraudulent in 2025. (billboard.com)
- The Music Fights Fraud Alliance and IFPI’s Streaming Integrity Initiative are industry responses to streaming fraud. (billboard.com)
Sources
- [1] billboard.com — originally reported as “U. S. Copyright Office Opens Music Streaming Fraud Inquiry, Probing Prevalence & ‘Potential Solutions’”
