IFPI Launches Initiative to Combat Streaming Fraud
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) has unveiled the Streaming Integrity Initiative (SII), a collaborative effort among major music distributors to tackle streaming fraud. The program requires participants to adopt five core commitments, including KYC checks, content ve…
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the global trade body that represents the recorded music industry, announced the launch of the Streaming Integrity Initiative (SII) on September 14, 2026. The new program brings together a broad coalition of distributors, labels and streaming services that agree to adopt a set of baseline practices designed to prevent, detect and respond to fraud on digital music platforms.
What the Initiative Covers
Participants in the SII commit to five core actions:
- Know Your Customer (KYC) – verifying rights ownership and customer identities through robust rights‑verification tools.
- Content Vetting – using advanced tools to identify infringement, fraudulent activity and risks related to artificial intelligence.
- Fraud Detection, Investigation and Mitigation – actively monitoring for suspicious streams and taking action against repeat offenders.
- Intelligence Sharing – exchanging data, where legally permissible, so that offenders cannot simply move from one service to another.
- Continuous Improvement – measuring and strengthening anti‑fraud systems to keep pace with evolving threats.
Who’s On Board
So far, the initiative has attracted support from a wide range of industry players. Major distributors such as Absolute Label Services, ADA, AWAL, CD Baby, Ditto Music, FUGA, GoDigital, Symphonic, The Orchard and RouteNote have signed on. Large record labels including Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Virgin Music Group and HYBE are also participants. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry’s own Merlin and IMPALA have pledged to align with the commitments, while the Music Fights Fraud Alliance (MFFA) in the United States has expressed close collaboration, though the SII is not formally linked to the MFFA.
Notably, the largest independent distributor, Distrokid, has not yet joined the program. The initiative also enjoys backing from the French streaming service Deezer, which highlighted the growing problem of AI‑generated music streams in an earlier report.
Why Streaming Fraud Matters
Streaming fraud—where digital service providers (DSPs) are manipulated to generate fake plays—has become a multi‑billion‑dollar problem. Artists, songwriters and labels lose legitimate revenue, while fans are misled by inflated popularity metrics. The rise of generative AI has made it easier for bad actors to create massive bot farms that can inflate streams in a matter of minutes. Deezer’s analysis indicated that up to 80% of streams on AI‑generated songs were artificial, underscoring the scale of the threat.
Victoria Oakley, IFPI CEO, described the issue as “theft” and called for coordinated action across the industry. Merlin’s director of content integrity, Sarah McNabb, echoed that sentiment, noting that the commitments align with Merlin’s own standards for its members. IMPALA’s executive chair, Helen Smith, highlighted the importance of cross‑chain collaboration to protect human artistry.
What Happens Next
IFPI plans to roll out the SII in phases, beginning with a pilot program that will test the effectiveness of the five commitments in a controlled environment. Successful pilots will lead to broader adoption across all participating entities. The IFPI also announced a broader “End Streaming Fraud” campaign that aims to raise public awareness and push for regulatory support.
While the initiative is still in its early stages, the commitment of dozens of major players signals a significant shift toward industry‑wide governance of streaming integrity. If the SII proves effective, it could set a new standard for how the music industry combats fraud, protecting artists, fans and the business model that underpins the global music economy.
For now, the industry watches closely as the first wave of participants implements the new standards and reports on their impact. The next few months will be critical in determining whether the SII can curb the growing tide of AI‑driven fraud and restore trust in streaming metrics.
Why it matters
Streaming fraud siphons billions from artists and erodes trust in digital music metrics. The SII’s coordinated approach seeks to protect revenue, uphold artist integrity, and maintain a fair marketplace for fans and creators.
Key points
- IFPI launches the Streaming Integrity Initiative to combat streaming fraud
- Participants commit to KYC, content vetting, fraud detection, intelligence sharing, and continuous improvement
- Major distributors and labels, including Sony, Universal, Warner, and independent services like AWAL and CD Baby, have signed on
- AI‑generated music is a major driver of fraud, with up to 80% of AI song streams reported as artificial
- The initiative is part of a wider IFPI campaign to end streaming fraud and raise industry awareness
Frequently asked questions
What is the Streaming Integrity Initiative?
The SII is a program led by the IFPI that brings together music distributors, labels and streaming services to adopt baseline practices for preventing, detecting and responding to streaming fraud.
Which companies have joined the SII?
Participants include Absolute Label Services, ADA, AWAL, CD Baby, Ditto Music, FUGA, GoDigital, Symphonic, The Orchard, RouteNote, Sony, Universal, Warner, Virgin, HYBE, and others. Distrokid has not yet signed on.
How does the initiative address AI‑driven fraud?
The SII requires content vetting tools that identify AI‑related risks, and it promotes intelligence sharing to stop offenders from moving between services.
What are the next steps for the SII?
IFPI will roll out a pilot phase, monitor results, and then expand the program to all participants while continuing its broader End Streaming Fraud campaign.
