Integrity First: Merlin Joins Music Fights Fraud Alliance to Protect the Music Ecosystem

Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world’s leading independent labels and distributors, announced today that it has joined the Music Fights Fraud Alliance (MFFA), the industry’s united front against streaming fraud and illegitimate activity. By contributing to the goals of MFFA, Merlin brings its longstanding commitment to content integrity to an international coalition of rights holders and digital services dedicated to identifying and disrupting bad actors while supporting legitimate artists and rights holders.

Founded in 2023, MFFA includes more than 20 members spanning digital platforms, distributors, and rightsholders. The Alliance collaborates with the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance (NCFTA) to support and manage a shared database of identified fraud markers, enabling members to track, investigate, and respond to fraudulent activity in real time.

“Illegitimate activity siphons revenue away from genuine artists and undermines trust across the entire ecosystem,” said Jeremy Sirota, CEO of Merlin. “We believe that protecting the value of music is rooted in collaboration, accountability, and transparency. Since the MFFA’s founding, Merlin has championed its work to our members. By joining the MFFA, we can help to better defend the rights of genuine artists and build a more ethical digital marketplace.”

Merlin recently hired Sarah McNabb as its first Director of Content Integrity. In this role, McNabb leads Merlin’s cross functional taskforce, collaborates with digital partners and trade associations, and provides members with support, guidance and best practices to prevent, detect and combat illegitimate activity amongst our membership.

“At Merlin, we work tirelessly to uphold standards that protect our members and the artists they represent,” said McNabb. “Due to the constantly evolving nature of fraud, collaboration is essential. Artists, managers, labels, distributors, and digital platforms must all work together, each contributing their expertise. As the most trusted partner for independents worldwide, we’re proud to join MFFA.”

Merlin joins many of our closest partners in aligning around shared standards, transparent data practices, and the development of new anti-fraud technologies and educational resources. As artificial intelligence, bot farms, and manipulated content continue to challenge the legitimacy of music streaming, Merlin’s membership in MFFA underscores Merlin’s commitment to protecting its members and their artists—and its ability to act swiftly and responsibly on their behalf.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Merlin to the Music Fights Fraud Alliance,” said Michael Lewan, Executive Director of MFFA. “Merlin’s proactive stance, sophisticated internal processes, and leadership on content integrity make them a powerful voice in the fight against illegitimate activity. Their involvement will strengthen our collective global efforts to create a more fair, transparent, and accountable streaming economy.”
For more information on the Music Fights Fraud Alliance, visit www.musicfightsfraud.com.