Bandcamp Prohibits AI-Generated Music
Bandcamp has officially prohibited AI-generated music on its platform. This decision was announced on January 13, 2026, emphasizing the platform’s commitment to human creativity.
Reasons for the Ban
Bandcamp expressed concerns over the growing presence of AI-generated music. They highlighted the importance of protecting their vibrant community of artists. The site declared that music predominantly created by AI would not be allowed.
Policy Details
The ban extends to all forms of generative AI content. Bandcamp specified that any use of AI tools to replicate artists or styles would violate existing policies against impersonation and intellectual property infringement.
Reporting Mechanism
The platform encourages users to report any suspected AI-generated tracks. Those flagged will be reviewed by Bandcamp’s team, which reserves the right to remove any music deemed to be AI-created.
Industry Context
The rise of AI music has sparked significant debate in the industry. In July, Deezer reported that 28% of music added to its platform was fully AI-generated. The controversy intensified when Jorja Smith’s record label criticized an AI-generated track that mimicked her voice.
Artist Responses
Several artists have voiced their concerns regarding AI in music. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard recently raised alarms about an apparent AI replacement of their music on Spotify. They had previously withdrawn their catalog from the platform, protesting against controversial funding by Spotify’s founder.
- AI-generated music ban enforced by Bandcamp
- 28% of music on Deezer is AI-generated
- Criticism from Jorja Smith’s label about AI mimicry
- King Gizzard’s withdrawal from Spotify
This ban reflects a growing trend in the music industry where platforms aim to prioritize authentic human creativity over machine-generated content. As debates around AI in music continue, Bandcamp aims to ensure that fans trust the artists they support.
