The music industry wants distributors to commit to five measures against streaming fraud

IFPI, the international body representing the recording industry, has launched the ‘Streaming Integrity Initiative’.¹² It is aimed at distributors. These are the companies that get recordings onto streaming services.

According to the Schweizer Musikzeitung, streaming fraud means manipulating music services to make money from plays that aren't genuine.² Distributors that sign up commit to five points. Verify rights and customer identities. Check content for infringement, fraud and AI-related risks. Investigate suspected cases and act against repeat offenders. Share information where legally permissible. Keep improving their own systems.¹

At launch, supporters include Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, CD Baby, The Orchard and Merlin.¹ According to Music Business Worldwide, DistroKid has not yet signed.³ Taking part is voluntary. According to the trade site, the document sets out no audits, no reporting obligation and no penalties.³

What this means in practice: Streaming services pay rights holders from a finite pool, the IFPI campaign says.⁴ According to IFPI, streaming fraud therefore siphons money away from musicians, labels and publishers.⁴ None of the sources puts a figure on the damage in Switzerland. If you release through a distributor, check whether it's on the list of supporters.¹