Bandcamp bans AI-generated music on its platform to protect human artists

Policy states that the platform will not allow music that is wholly generated by AI to be uploaded or sold

Bandcamp has taken a firm stance in the ongoing debate around artificial intelligence in music by announcing that it will prohibit AI-generated music from being sold on its platform.

The decision emphasises the company’s commitment to supporting human creativity, fair compensation for artists and transparent content sourcing, setting it apart from some other digital music services that have embraced AI workflows.

The new policy, outlined by Bandcamp leadership, states that the platform will not allow tracks or albums that are wholly generated by artificial intelligence to be uploaded or sold. Bandcamp’s leadership explained that the move is intended to safeguard artists from potential exploitation, prevent AI tracks from diluting the marketplace, and ensure fans are buying music created by real people.

In a message to artists and fans, Bandcamp made clear that content must reflect genuine human authorship. It said that while the site will still allow tools that assist human creators, such as software that helps with mastering or sound design, it will draw the line where the primary composition and performance are generated by AI without meaningful human artistic input.

The policy is rooted in concern over the rapid rise of AI music generators that can produce convincing songs with minimal human involvement. Bandcamp executives have argued that allowing uncredited AI content would risk unfair competition with human musicians and could undermine the livelihoods of independent artists who rely on direct revenue from sales.

The new rules also aim to protect against situations where AI training data may include unlicensed use of existing artists’ work. By banning fully AI-generated tracks, Bandcamp intends to reduce the likelihood that its platform becomes a repository for content that might infringe on creative rights.

Industry observers say Bandcamp’s stance may influence other music platforms weighing how to handle AI in their ecosystems. It underscores a broader conversation in the music world about ethical use of technology, intellectual property rights, artist compensation and the evolving role of creators in a landscape increasingly shaped by machine learning.