This Anti-Fraud and Artificial Streaming Policy (the "Policy") is an essential, legally binding addendum to the DistroVibe Digital Music Distribution Agreement and Terms of Service. It governs the rules, financial liabilities, and severe penalties associated with the fraudulent manipulation of streaming data on Digital Service Providers (DSPs).
DistroVibe maintains a strict, absolute zero-tolerance policy against artificial streaming and streaming fraud. By utilizing the platform, you unconditionally agree to all terms set forth in this Policy.
1. Definition of Artificial Streaming and Fraud
Artificial streaming (also known as streaming fraud, store manipulation, or botting) is defined as the artificial creation of online plays, streams, or views by human and non-human means with the aim of generating illicit income, improving chart positions, or swaying a platform’s recommendation system.
2. Strict Liability and Third-Party Promoters
As the account holder, you bear strict and absolute liability for all streaming activity generated on your releases. We recognize that many artists are victimized by illegitimate promotion services claiming to offer "organic" pitching.
Claims of ignorance, such as "I didn't know the agency used bots," are legally invalid defenses. If you hire an agency that utilizes bot networks, you remain 100% responsible for the resulting penalties.
3. DSP Enforcement and Financial Penalties
DSPs actively identify and penalize tracks associated with fraudulent activity. Spotify, as an industry leader, has implemented an aggressive deterrence policy.
The Spotify Artificial Streaming Fee
When flagrant artificial streaming is detected, Spotify imposes a flat penalty fee of €10.00 (EUR) per track, per month.
4. Pass-Through of Fines and Financial Recovery
You explicitly agree that any and all DSP penalty fees incurred will be passed directly and entirely to you. DistroVibe processes these financial recoveries via the following cascade:
4.1. Balance Debit
Fines are debited from your accrued DistroVibe royalty balance. If balance is insufficient, your wallet will enter a negative balance status.
4.2. Automatic Recovery
DistroVibe reserves the absolute right to automatically charge the payment method on file (via Polar.sh) to recover outstanding debt created by DSP penalties.
5. Catalog Takedowns and Permanent Account Bans
- 1
Global Takedown
Specific releases are permanently removed from all digital platforms globally.
- 2
Code Blacklisting
ISRC/UPC and audio fingerprints added to internal blocklists, preventing redistribution.
- 3
Brand Flagging
Artist and Label names permanently flagged with DSPs and industry-wide anti-fraud networks.
- 4
Account Termination
Permanent user ban and forfeiture of all accrued royalties without possibility of refund.
6. Required Actions and Proactive Investigation
If your track is flagged, you must immediately cease all third-party marketing and provide full receipts and URLs of the services employed for a comprehensive investigation.
7. Legal Action and Criminal Prosecution
Industry Cooperation
DistroVibe cooperates fully with law enforcement and the Music Fights Fraud Allianceby providing personal data, IP addresses, and records of suspected offenders.
Criminal Prosecution
Streaming fraud is a criminal offense globally, resulting in multi-million dollar asset confiscations and prison sentences for organized networks.
8. Indemnification
The User acknowledges and agrees to fully indemnify DistroVibe against all structural penalties, legal expenses, and third-party damages arising from artificial streaming activities.