New york: Spotify announced Tuesday that it will begin labeling artist profiles whose public identities may have been generated by artificial intelligence and excluding their music from recommendations by default. Starting in mid-September, an 'AI Persona' badge will appear on certain artist profiles, in search results and alongside tracks in playlists, the streaming platform said in a statement. Spotify stressed that the badge indicates whether an artist profile represents a real person, not whether AI was used to create the music.

According to Anadolu Agency, the badge signals to listeners that an artist's identity may be AI-generated and does not represent a real person. The company said the measure was intended to strengthen trust between artists and listeners. Spotify emphasized that a true artist-fan connection can only be built on a foundation of trust and authenticity, meaning listeners need to trust that the artist behind the music is who they claim to be.

Spotify will exclude AI Personas from editorial and algorithmic recommendations by default, recommending their music only to users who follow them. The company stated that its programming is focused on elevating music from authentic artists building careers in music. Artists can begin voluntarily identifying their profiles as AI Personas through Spotify for Artists, but the platform said it would not rely solely on artists' self-disclosure.

Spotify will review profiles whose names and images appear to portray photorealistic AI-generated identities, beginning with those that meet defined audience thresholds. Users who tap the badge will be able to see whether the artist disclosed the AI identity or whether Spotify applied the label after a review. Artists labeled by Spotify will be notified and allowed to disclose their status voluntarily or appeal the decision. The company plans to let listeners report suspected AI Persona profiles in the coming months.

Spotify reiterated that the badge relates to the identity presented by an artist profile, rather than to how its music was produced.