Sony Music Seeks Removal Of Over 260,000 AI Deepfake Tracks Imitating Artists

Sony Music has stepped up its efforts to tackle unauthorised AI-generated music, asking digital platforms to remove more than 260,000 tracks that allegedly imitate artists on its roster.

According to figures reported by the Financial Times and Music Business Worldwide, the number of takedown requests had nearly doubled from the 135,000 tracks Sony flagged by the end of March 2026. The latest figure covers requests made through September.

The tracks reportedly target artists including Harry Styles, Adele, Britney Spears, Queen and Michael Jackson, with Sony describing the issue as generative AI deepfakes that reproduce artists’ voices and likenesses without permission.

Sony said the practice is taking place “at scale”, arguing that it harms artists, misleads listeners and raises broader concerns around the responsible use of AI in music. The company has also called on platforms to act quickly and prevent the same material from resurfacing.

The surge in AI deepfakes comes amid a wider challenge around streaming fraud. AI tools are increasingly being used to create music in large volumes, while fraudulent streaming activity can generate royalties at the expense of legitimate artists and rights holders.

Sony’s latest action comes as the wider industry grapples with the rapid growth of AI-generated music. Deezer has reported receiving tens of thousands of fully AI-generated tracks every day, while its detection systems have identified significant levels of fraudulent streaming activity associated with such content.

Sony has previously disclosed a sharp rise in its AI-related takedown efforts,from close to 10,000 requests in 2023 to more than 75,000 by March 2025 and 135,000 by March 2026.

The company is also pursuing legal and policy measures around generative AI. Sony has joined the Alliance for Responsible Innovation in the Arts & Media (ARIAM), while continuing legal action against AI music companies over the alleged unauthorised use of copyrighted recordings to train AI systems.

For the music industry, the growing number of deepfake tracks highlights a central challenge around generative AI: how to encourage technological innovation while protecting artists’ voices, identities and economic rights.

Sony's latest takedown figure suggests that as AI-generated music becomes easier to produce and distribute, rights enforcement is likely to become an increasingly important part of the music industry's digital strategy.