Suno admits in court filing it used YouTube audio scraped via YT-DLP for training

Suno

Audio media only 4 src. ~1 min

In a 26-page answer filed in the US District Court of Massachusetts, Suno admitted 'audio data was obtained from YouTube for use as training data using YT-DLP,' confirming labels' stream-ripping allegations in the UMG/Capitol/Sony case. Suno simultaneously challenged the labels' standing under DMCA Section 1203(a), repeated its fair-use defense, and accused the majors of anticompetitive conduct. Labels seek up to $150,000 per work across 560 recordings; fact discovery closes September 30.

Why it matters

The first outright admission by a major generative-music company that it circumvented YouTube's controls for training data strengthens the labels' DMCA claim and sets precedent risk for the entire generative-audio industry.

Importance: 3/5

Court admission with industry-wide copyright precedent risk

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