UMG & Sony Demand DistroKid Tell How Many AI Songs It Uploads From Suno: ‘Staggering Scale’
Universal Music Group and Sony Music have asked a Manhattan federal court to make DistroKid disclose how many AI-generated songs it uploads to streaming services. They say the figures are important evidence in their copyright dispute with AI music company Suno, and argue that DistroKid is a key route through which AI recordings reach streaming platforms.
The labels say DistroKid has refused to provide documents requested in a subpoena last month, despite tracking AI use with a detection tool. They argue the information could help assess whether AI music harms the market for human-created recordings, a question relevant to Suno’s fair-use defence. DistroKid says it will cooperate with the legal process; it has denied wrongdoing in a separate lawsuit by UMG and recently acknowledged removing some user uploads.
- UMG and Sony want DistroKid’s monthly figures for AI song uploads.
- They say the data could inform Suno’s fair-use defence.
- DistroKid says it will cooperate with the legal process.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The labels can argue that the volume of AI-generated music distributed to streaming services is relevant evidence in their copyright case, including whether such music competes with or affects demand for human-created recordings. If DistroKid already tracks AI use, disclosing appropriate figures could help the court assess Suno’s fair-use defence and clarify the scale of the issue.
The case against
DistroKid can argue that a broad demand for figures and records risks imposing substantial burdens and may sweep in information whose connection to the specific copyright claims is uncertain. The scale of AI uploads alone would not establish market harm or resolve fair use, so disclosure should be limited to material that is relevant and proportionate; DistroKid says it will cooperate with the legal process.