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AI Creates Fake Bands and Music, Making Real Money

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Alun Hill
December 21, 2024

The FBI caught a musician named Michael Smith who used AI to create fake bands and songs.

He tricked music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music into paying him $10 million in fake royalties by using bots to play the music.

What Happened:

  • Fake Bands: Michael created hundreds of fake bands and songs using AI.

  • Fake Streams: He used bots to play these songs over and over on streaming platforms.

  • Big Payday: The fake streams earned him $10 million in royalties.

Why It Matters:

  • First Time: This is the first time the US has charged someone for using AI to fake music streams.

  • Fraud and Money Laundering: Michael faces charges for fraud and money laundering.