Tech

Fraudster jailed for using 10K bots and AI songs to outstream Taylor Swift

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 07/10/2026, 19:43:23 UTC.

Briefings

Michael Smith, a 54-year-old North Carolina resident, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for using AI to generate Taylor Swift songs and outstream millions from streaming platforms. The US Department of Justice identified him as the first American criminally charged with AI-assisted streaming fraud, noting he was first charged in 2024 and successfully operated the scheme for seven years without detection.

Key points

• Michael Smith, a 54-year-old North Carolina resident, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for using AI to generate songs that outstreamed millions from music platforms.
• The US Department of Justice identified Smith as the first American criminally charged with AI-assisted streaming fraud, noting he was first charged in 2024 and successfully operated the scheme for seven years without detection.

Context and limitations

Evidence covers only the sentencing and initial criminal charges; it does not detail the specific AI tools used, the exact financial amounts stolen, or the timeline of the seven-year operation.

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