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The Documentary Podcast
BBC Trending: The dark side of music streaming
Feb 5, 2025
A shocking case emerges as musician Michael Smith allegedly exploits AI and bots to steal millions in streaming royalties. The FBI's raid highlights the alarming prevalence of fraud in the music industry. Insiders reveal how these deceptive practices not only harm independent artists but also challenge major labels. Hear the emotional tale of an artist coping with the removal of their music from platforms due to similar fraud. The discussion delves into the intricate dynamics of charting success and the vital need for authenticity amidst these troubling trends.
17:41
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Quick takeaways
- The unprecedented case of musician Mike Smith highlights the alarming use of AI and bots to exploit music streaming services, raising concerns about industry integrity.
- The ongoing investigation into music streaming fraud reveals that such dubious practices could represent approximately 10% of all streams, severely impacting genuine artists financially.
Deep dives
The Fall of a Musician's Career
A musician named Mike Smith was arrested for allegedly orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that involved creating and streaming music using artificial intelligence. This operation allegedly enabled him to illegally collect over $10 million in royalties from music streaming platforms, raising questions about the integrity of the industry. The method reportedly included generating hundreds of thousands of songs and using bots to increase their streaming counts, manipulating the royalty distribution system. Smith’s downfall shocked the affluent community of Cornelius, North Carolina, where he appeared to lead a successful life as a billboard-charting artist.
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Discover
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