Suno: Copyright blocks for AI music are easy to bypass
The AI music platform Suno is actually supposed to prevent protected songs from being used – but apparently, it only succeeds insufficiently.
A practical test shows: Suno's protection mechanisms against copyright infringement can be bypassed too easily.
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According to its own guidelines, the AI music generator Suno only allows the use of its own content or freely formulated texts. Uploaded songs and lyrics are supposed to be automatically checked and blocked in case of violations. In practice, however, this does not work reliably: Protected music pieces can be modified using freely available software such as Audacity in such a way that they are no longer recognized by the system.
Small tricks, big copyright infringements
Suno's built-in copyright filters can apparently be tricked quickly and easily, creating deceptively similar versions of well-known tracks. A test by the technology magazine The Verge shows that small adjustments such as half or double playback speed or brief noise at the beginning and end are often enough to bypass the check.
Subsequently, such a manipulated song can be uploaded to the paid AI audio workstation Suno Studio, edited back towards the original, and used as a basis for AI music. Without additional style changes, Suno generates instrumental pieces that sound confusingly similar to the original, according to the test. Newer model versions modify individual elements more strongly, but still retain recognizable structures.
Weaknesses are also apparent in the protection of lyrics. Unchanged texts are blocked, but minimal adjustments to the spelling are often enough to bypass the block. Even varying individual words is said to be sufficient for the system to accept the text and generate corresponding vocal tracks.
Apparently no check during file export
The inadequate protection is particularly problematic for independent artists. Less well-known pieces are sometimes said to pass through the filters without any adjustments. Suno apparently only checks content during upload, not during export. This allows generated pieces to be uploaded to streaming services relatively easily via distributors and potentially monetized – without the involvement of the original copyright holders.
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While streaming platforms like Spotify or Deezer take action against AI-generated content, there is no hundred percent protection yet. This creates a system for rights holders in which imitations can be quickly created and distributed. As early as 2024, record labels have sued Suno and Udio.
The Society for Musical Performing and Mechanical Rights (GEMA) is also suing Suno. Among other things, the AI provider is accused of having used GEMA-protected recordings for training purposes without authorization. The oral hearing on March 9, 2026, remained without a decision. This is now scheduled to be made on June 12, 2026.
(joe)
