Bandcamp has announced a ban on AI-generated music on its platform, drawing a clear line in the intensifying debate over artificial intelligence and creative ownership in the music industry.
The artist-focused music marketplace said the decision was taken to protect musicians and maintain trust with fans, as concerns grow that generative AI could flood digital platforms with synthetic content that undermines human artistry.
“We want musicians to keep making music, and for fans to have confidence that the music they find on Bandcamp was created by humans,” the company said in a statement.
Bandcamp, which is widely used by independent artists to sell music and merchandise directly to fans, has positioned itself as a creator-first alternative to major streaming platforms. The company said allowing AI-generated tracks would conflict with its core mission of supporting working musicians and ensuring fair compensation for creative labour.
The move comes amid a rapid rise in AI-generated songs, some of which mimic the voices or styles of real artists. Critics argue that such tools often rely on copyrighted material without consent, raising ethical and legal questions around ownership, attribution, and revenue.
Bandcamp’s policy does not ban the use of AI as a tool in the creative process altogether, but it prohibits content that is primarily generated by AI systems without meaningful human authorship. The company said it will continue refining its guidelines as AI technology evolves.
The decision sets Bandcamp apart from other digital music platforms that are still grappling with how to regulate AI-generated content. While some services have allowed AI music with limited restrictions, others face pressure from artists and record labels to introduce clearer safeguards.
Industry observers say Bandcamp’s stance could influence wider policy discussions across the music ecosystem, particularly among platforms that rely heavily on independent creators.
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