Widespread Copyright Infringement and AI-Generated Slop on Distribution Platforms Diluting Legitimate Artists' Reach

Summary

Independent artists face a severe and unsolved problem when distributing their work on digital platforms. A significant majority of uploads to new distribution services are either copyright-infringing (e.g., stolen music) or AI-generated content passed off as original. This flood of illegitimate material makes it harder for genuine artists to get heard, devalues original work, and places the burden of policing on artists who lack legal resources. Existing platforms have insufficient safeguards, and the problem is worsening with AI generation. This causes financial loss, emotional distress, and undermines trust in distribution services.