Apple Music Takes a Stand Against Fake Streams, Cracking Down on Fraudulent Activity

The music industry has always been a target for individuals looking to manipulate the system for financial gain. In response to this ongoing issue, Apple Music has taken a firm stance against artists and labels that engage in fraudulent practices to boost their streaming revenue.

Apple Music’s Vice President, Oliver Schusser, recently shared insights into the company’s efforts to combat fake streams within the platform. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Schusser highlighted the challenges posed by streaming fraud and emphasized Apple’s commitment to cracking down on dishonest practices.

Streaming fraud typically involves tactics such as using bots to artificially inflate stream counts, manipulating subscriber accounts, or creating fake AI-generated artists to collect royalties for low-quality music. Apple first began addressing this issue in 2022 and has since intensified its efforts to curb fraudulent activities on Apple Music.

To deter fraudsters, Apple has implemented escalating fines for those caught engaging in streaming fraud. Initially set at 5% and capped at 25%, the penalty has now been doubled to start at 10% and cap at 50%. This decision was driven by the proliferation of AI-generated music, which has made it easier for bad actors to exploit the system.

Schusser emphasized the importance of these penalties in deterring fraudulent behavior, stating that the goal is to eliminate fraud entirely from the platform. By increasing the fines, Apple aims to redirect funds back to legitimate artists and ensure a fair playing field for all stakeholders in the music industry.

In 2025 alone, Apple removed approximately two billion manipulated streams from its service, representing an estimated $17 million in royalties that were withheld from legitimate artists. This proactive approach has helped Apple maintain a low rate of streaming manipulation on its platform, with rigorous systems in place to detect and remove fraudulent activities.

While other streaming services are also grappling with the challenge of combating streaming fraud, Schusser noted that Apple’s advanced security measures and technology investments have positioned it ahead of the competition. He described the ongoing battle against fraud as a game of ‘Whack a Mole,’ where constant vigilance is required to prevent fraudulent activities.

The rise of AI-generated music poses a new challenge for streaming platforms, with a significant portion of daily uploads being fraudulent in nature. Recognizing this trend, Apple and other industry players are investing in AI-detection technology to identify and remove fake tracks from their platforms.

In conclusion, Apple’s stringent measures against streaming fraud underscore its commitment to maintaining integrity and fairness within the music industry. By penalizing fraudulent activities and investing in advanced technology, Apple is working to ensure that artists and labels receive their rightful earnings and that listeners enjoy authentic music experiences on Apple Music.