MUSIC BUSINESS · ·Billboard
IFPI Launches Streaming Integrity Initiative
IFPI has launched the Streaming Integrity Initiative, bringing distributors, labels and industry groups together around anti-fraud standards.
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) has launched the Streaming Integrity Initiative (SII), a program designed to establish baseline practices for preventing, detecting and responding to streaming fraud.
Participants in the initiative commit to five core practices focused on streaming fraud prevention. The program addresses manipulation of digital service providers to generate royalties from plays that do not come from genuine fans.
SII has received support from Absolute Label Services, ADA, AWAL, CD Baby, CmdShft, Ditto Music, FUGA, GoDigital, HYBE, IDOL, IMPALA, InnerCat Music Group, Merlin, Redeye, Revelator, RouteNote, Secretly Distribution, Symphonic, Sony Music Group, The Orchard, Too Lost, Universal Music Group, Virgin Music Group and Warner Music Group.
The material also notes that DistroKid, described as the largest DIY music distributor, has not yet signed on. The initiative therefore includes support from distributors alongside all three major music groups, as well as HYBE, Merlin and IMPALA.
Streaming fraud has become a persistent issue for the recorded music business, with industry experts describing its financial impact as reaching hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars each year. The problem involves illegitimate activity intended to divert royalties generated through digital streaming.
The initiative forms part of IFPI's wider End Streaming Fraud campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the issue. SII also liaises closely with the Music Fights Fraud Alliance (MFFA), a U.S. coalition created two years ago to bring distributors and streaming services together to share data and coordinate anti-fraud efforts. An SII representative said the initiative is not directly connected to MFFA.
Generative AI has added another dimension to the issue. Deezer reported earlier this year that up to 80% of streams on AI songs are artificial, while the development of agentic AI could make it easier to scale illegal bot farms.
IFPI CEO Victoria Oakley said streaming fraud “misleads fans and deprives legitimate artists and songwriters of income,” while Merlin director of content integrity Sarah McNabb said the commitments align closely with Merlin's existing requirements for its members.
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