The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) has launched the Streaming Integrity Initiative (SII), a global effort to eliminate artificial streams and protect royalty payouts for creators.
The initiative shifts anti-fraud enforcement upstream. Rather than relying solely on DSPs like Spotify and Apple Music to catch fraud, the SII turns digital music distributors ranging from CD Baby to UMG into the primary gatekeepers of the digital supply chain.
A full list of SII signatories is below.
Notably missing from the launch are DistroKid, Believe/TuneCore, TikTok’s SoundOn, UnitedMasters, ONErpm, Stem, LANDR, and Amuse. DistroKid alone handles an estimated 30% to 40% of new music uploaded globally. Some of the missing DSPs are part of the existing Music Fights Fraud Alliance.
This week Universal Music Group (UMG) sued DistroKid accusing it of deceptive trade practices, copyright infringement, and enabling mass uploads of unauthorized AI-generated content.
What Are the 5 Rules of the Streaming Integrity Initiative?
Participating distributors have committed to five baseline anti-fraud practices:
- Identity Verification (KYC): Perform robust Know Your Customer (KYC) identity (in this case creators) and rights verification to stop anonymous uploader accounts.
- Pre-Release Content Vetting: Use effective tools to catch copyright infringement, metadata abuse, and AI-related risks before music hits DSPs.
- Active Enforcement: Investigate suspicious streaming spikes and act against repeat offenders.
- Cross-Platform Intelligence Sharing: Share operational data where legally permissible so banned bad actors cannot jump to competing services.
- Continuous System Auditing: Audit and upgrade anti-fraud technology regularly to keep pace with evolving AI tactics.
Full List of Distributors, Organizations Supporting The Streaming Integrity Initiative
The initiative brings together these major record labels, indie heavyweights, and digital distributors across the global music ecosystem:
- Absolute Label Services
- ADA
- AWAL
- CD Baby
- CmdShft
- Ditto Music
- FUGA
- GoDigital
- HYBE
- IDOL
- IMPALA
- InnerCat Music Group
- Merlin
- Redeye
- Revelator
- RouteNote
- Secretly Distribution
- Sony Music Group
- Symphonic
- The Orchard
- Too Lost
- Universal Music Group
- Virgin Music Group
- Warner Music Group
What This Means for the Music Ecosystem
- For Independent Artists: verified identity checks (KYC) will become standard during release setup. Cleaner royalty pools ensure more money flows to real human listens.
- For Distributors: Low-friction, anonymous distribution is officially over. Aggregators must invest in Trust & Safety tech to stay compliant.
- For DSPs: Screening uploads at the entry point reduces catalog bloat, automated spam, and server cleanup costs downstream.
Hypebot's Bottom Line
The IFPI's Streaming Integrity Initiative shifts anti-fraud strategy from reactive cleanup to proactive gatekeeping.
For years, bad actors exploited loose onboarding at DIY distributors to siphon money out of shared streaming royalty pools. By mandating strict identity checks, pre-release screening, and cross-platform intelligence sharing, the IFPI is closing the back door on streaming manipulation.
While independent creators may face extra verification steps when setting up a new release, the effort should mean a fairer ecosystem and protected payout rates.
MORE: UMG Sues DistroKid For Alleged AI 'Slop' and Copyright Theft
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