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According to the report from Variety.com, the landscape of streaming fraud extends beyond individual artists to encompass DIY distributors like DistroKid and TuneCore. These platforms, with their low barriers to entry and affordable pricing, have democratized music distribution but also inadvertently facilitated fraudulent activities. The ease of uploading unlimited audio files for a minimal fee has attracted both legitimate artists and malicious actors seeking to exploit the system for financial gain.

The sheer volume of content being uploaded daily poses a formidable challenge for platforms and distributors to effectively police fraudulent activities. Despite their best efforts, fraudulent streaming practices continue to proliferate, resulting in financial losses for legitimate artists and undermining the integrity of streaming platforms.

In response to mounting pressure from streaming services, distributors like TuneCore and DistroKid have implemented aggressive measures to combat fraud. TuneCore, for instance, supports Spotify's fines as part of the Music Fights Fraud Alliance but also acknowledges the need for a warning system to protect legitimate artists inadvertently caught in the crossfire.

DistroKid, on the other hand, has adopted a strike system to notify artists of reported artificial streaming activity and prompt corrective actions. However, artists like Jonah Baker have found themselves at a loss when faced with erroneous notices, highlighting the complexities and uncertainties surrounding enforcement measures.

Furthermore, the report sheds light on the challenges faced by artists and managers, even those with substantial followings and legitimate promotional efforts. Bloom Twins, managed by Seth Kallen of This Fiction, found themselves targeted despite their inclusion in official Spotify playlists, emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of fraudulent activities.

The response from streaming platforms like Spotify reflects a concerted effort to minimize the impact of stream manipulation. While denying involvement in removal policies, Spotify underscores its commitment to withholding royalties from suspicious streams and swiftly addressing fraudulent activities.

However, the prevalence of bot attacks and erroneous takedown notices underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the fight against streaming fraud. Artists and distributors alike grapple with the repercussions of fraudulent activities, underscoring the urgent need for collaborative solutions to safeguard the integrity of the music industry.