Published: 10/7/2026
Source: U.S. Copyright Office — Music Streaming Fraud Inquiry
The U.S. Copyright Office has opened a formal public inquiry into music streaming fraud, including how generative AI may help bad actors manufacture large catalogs for bot-driven royalty schemes.
The Library of Congress agency is asking platforms, distributors, copyright owners, performing-rights organizations, vendors, law-enforcement bodies and other interested parties to explain how fraud occurs, what it costs and which countermeasures work.
The notice distinguishes lawful AI-assisted music creation from fraudulent activity. Its focus includes bot farms, click farms, playlist stuffing, account hijacking and other methods that artificially increase plays and dilute royalty pools for legitimately streamed music.
Initial comments are due November 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. Reply comments are due December 21, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time.
Why it matters: This inquiry can shape recommendations to Congress and future music-industry policy. Independent artists, AI music platforms and distributors now have a defined opportunity to explain how anti-fraud systems can target fake listening without treating every AI-assisted release as suspicious.