Suno plans watermarking and tighter downloads to curb AI music spam

Suno is preparing new watermarking, fingerprinting and download controls intended to make AI generated music easier to identify and harder to misuse at scale. Terrence O’Brien reports for The Verge that the company outlined the plans in a blog post by chief executive and co founder Mikey Shulman.

The measures respond to concerns that AI tools can flood streaming and distribution services with low quality or deceptive tracks. Suno says its new technology will align with emerging industry standards, allowing platforms and others to identify music created with its service. Watermarking embeds information into an audio file, while fingerprinting helps services recognise a recording by comparing its audio characteristics.

Shulman also says Suno wants to work with distribution platforms to address fraud and misuse. The company did not provide technical details, a rollout timetable or a list of potential partners. Suno did not immediately answer The Verge’s request for further information.

Downloads face new limits

Suno has already signalled a change to its download policy following its settlement with Warner Music Group. At the time, the company said downloads would be restricted to paying subscribers and capped each month. It has not yet specified the limit or confirmed when the policy will take effect.

The approach differs from the outcome of Warner Music Group’s settlement with rival AI music company Udio. That agreement ended downloads of music generated on Udio’s platform entirely.

In his post, Shulman presents transparency, respect for rights holders and support for human made art as key principles. At the same time, he argues that Suno should not decide the artistic value of individual works. He says artists and platforms should determine whether, and how, they disclose the use of AI tools.