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The Vergecast

The Vergecast

The $8 million AI music scam

Oct 14, 2026 · 38m

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About this episode

A man named Mike Smith was recently sentenced to 18 months in prison, and a fine in excess of $8 million, for creating an AI system that faked billions of streams and earned him millions in royalties. Wired's Kate Knibbs explains how Smith pulled it off, how he got caught, and what this case means for the internet's growing slop problems. Vote for us in the Signal Awards! ⁠Vote Vergecast: Best Technology Podcast⁠ ⁠Vote Version History: Best History Podcast⁠ ⁠Vote Decoder: Best Business Podcast⁠ Further reading: ⁠Apple’s HomeView ad is confusing to everyone except parents | The Verge⁠ ⁠Ocarina of Time’s Switch 2 remake feels modern — and terrifying | The Verge⁠ ⁠We might not have to wait 13…