If a release uses your artist name or an AI imitation of your voice without your permission, first check carefully what has happened.
Does a release by another artist with the same name appear on your profile? In that case, it's usually a matching error, not misuse. When two artists share the same name, releases can sometimes be assigned to the same profile. The platform can separate them without a formal report. Send us a ticket about it or use Spotify's guide on incorrectly assigned content: https://support.spotify.com/us/artists/article/music-mixed-up-with-another-artist/
Is your identity actually being misused? This is the case if your name, your image, or a cloned version of your voice is being used. In that case, proceed as follows: First, contact the artist and look for an amicable solution. If that doesn't work, submit an official report to the platform.
You can report here:
- Spotify: https://support.spotify.com/report-content/
- Apple Music: https://www.apple.com/legal/contact/copyright-infringement.html
- YouTube Music: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2801947
- Beatport: https://support.beatport.com/hc/en-us/articles/4412316230036-Violation-of-Intellectual-Property-Rights
- Deezer: dmca@deezer.com
Here too, a report to one platform is enough. As soon as the distributor learns about it, the process is started on all platforms.
What happens next: It works exactly like a copyright infringement case. The platform reviews the content and takes it offline, and the affected artist must prove their rights within 5 business days (Spotify, Apple Music) or 2 business days (all others). If there is no response or proof, the release is removed everywhere. Any evidence submitted goes to the platform, which decides on reinstatement. Some platforms, including Spotify, keep content blocked until an agreement is reached. The distributor remains neutral and cannot intervene directly in the dispute.