The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) has launched the Streaming Integrity Initiative (SII), bringing together major music companies and distributors to combat fraudulent streaming activity.
Announced on Monday, September 14, 2026, in London, the initiative establishes five baseline practices for music distributors covering customer verification, content screening, fraud detection, information sharing and continuous monitoring.
Streaming fraud occurs when fake or manipulated streams are generated to increase royalty payments from digital music platforms. The practice can reduce the share of legitimate artists, songwriters and other rights holders by diverting revenue from genuine music consumption.
According to IFPI, distributors play an important role in tackling the problem because they are a major entry point through which music reaches digital streaming platforms.
Under the initiative, participating distributors are expected to verify the identities and rights ownership of customers, screen content for infringement and fraudulent activity, investigate suspected manipulation and take action against repeat offenders.
They are also encouraged to share information about fraudulent activity where legally permitted and regularly assess their anti-fraud systems to respond to emerging methods.
IFPI CEO Victoria Oakley said the initiative is intended to protect legitimate participants in the music industry from the effects of artificial streaming.
“Streaming fraud misleads fans and deprives legitimate artists and songwriters of income that should rightfully flow to them. This is theft, plain and simple,” Oakley said.
She added, “We welcome the leadership shown by the first distributors to publicly support the Streaming Integrity Initiative, and hope this leads to direct, effective and coordinated action to protect artists, songwriters and fans from streaming fraud.”
The initiative has received support from organisations including Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group, Warner Music Group, HYBE, CD Baby, Merlin, IMPALA, The Orchard, Virgin Music Group, Symphonic, RouteNote and WIN.
Merlin’s Director of Content Integrity, Sarah McNabb, said tackling fraudulent activity requires cooperation across the music industry.
“Tackling illegitimate activity effectively requires every part of the industry to move together,” McNabb said.
WIN CEO Noemí Planas also described streaming fraud as a global issue, saying, “Fraud knows no borders, so neither can our response.”
The SII builds on IFPI’s wider End Streaming Fraud campaign, which seeks to raise awareness of the impact of artificial streaming and encourage coordinated action across the music ecosystem.
The federation is calling on more distributors, streaming platforms, industry organisations and other stakeholders to support the initiative as efforts to address streaming fraud continue.
Ademide Adebayo
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