Is that song AI-generated? UChicago scientists create tool to check

4 hours ago

AI-generated songs comprised nearly half of new uploads on streaming platforms in 2024, raising concerns about distinguishing human-made from machine-made music.
The Quicksilver browser extension, developed by the University of Chicago's SAND Lab and ETCH nonprofit, detects AI-generated music by analyzing audio for subtle artifacts without uploading data to external servers.
Research revealed that most platforms do not disclose AI usage, and even professional musicians struggle to identify AI music, prompting calls for transparency and protections for human artists.
Quicksilver operates locally for privacy, focuses on detecting outputs from Suno and Udio, and has received positive feedback from musicians and platforms like Deezer.
The ETCH nonprofit advocates for ethical technology development, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and prioritizing human creativity and social good over profit in AI systems.
The team plans to update Quicksilver to keep pace with evolving AI models, aiming to minimize false positives and encourage industry adoption for greater transparency in streaming content.

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