Smith, 52, is accused of using artificial intelligence (AI) to create music, which he then used to trick streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music into paying him over $10 million in royalties for songs that were barely listened to by actual people.
Smith allegedly orchestrated this scheme by uploading hundreds of thousands of AI-generated songs to streaming platforms. Using a network of bots and fake profiles, Smith ensured these songs were streamed billions of times, receiving small payments for each play—often just a fraction of a cent. According to the indictment, Smith spread these streams across a vast catalog of songs to avoid raising suspicion with sudden spikes in traffic.
The charges against Smith—wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy—mark the first time federal prosecutors have taken legal action over such a case. If convicted, he could face up to 60 years in prison.
The indictment details how Smith collaborated with a music promoter and the CEO of an AI music company to carry out the fraud. This partnership allegedly allowed him to mass-produce AI-generated songs at an astonishing rate, with the AI company supplying him with up to 10,000 tracks per month. In return, the company received data and a percentage of Smith’s earnings, estimated to be at least 15%.
Finally an AI use the makes sense!
You have to give the man credit for an original use of AI if nothing else!
Smith, 52, is accused of using artificial intelligence (AI) to create music, which he then used to trick streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music into paying him over $10 million in royalties for songs that were barely listened to by actual people.
Smith allegedly orchestrated this scheme by uploading hundreds of thousands of AI-generated songs to streaming platforms. Using a network of bots and fake profiles, Smith ensured these songs were streamed billions of times, receiving small payments for each play—often just a fraction of a cent. According to the indictment, Smith spread these streams across a vast catalog of songs to avoid raising suspicion with sudden spikes in traffic.
The charges against Smith—wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy—mark the first time federal prosecutors have taken legal action over such a case. If convicted, he could face up to 60 years in prison.
The indictment details how Smith collaborated with a music promoter and the CEO of an AI music company to carry out the fraud. This partnership allegedly allowed him to mass-produce AI-generated songs at an astonishing rate, with the AI company supplying him with up to 10,000 tracks per month. In return, the company received data and a percentage of Smith’s earnings, estimated to be at least 15%.
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