MUSIC by Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, The Beatles, and other artists can no longer be heard on TikTok after a breakdown in negotiations with music group Universal over compensation.
All recorded music licensed to Universal Music Group (UMG) has been removed from TikTok’s music library since Thursday, and all videos containing music licensed by Universal have been muted.
The previous licensing agreement between UMG and TikTok expired on January 31st.
After the talks broke down, Universal on Tuesday accused TikTok of “trying to build a music-based business, without paying fair value for the music.”
Among the issues raised in the negotiations were appropriate compensation for artists and songwriters, online safety for users, and the protection of artists from the harms of artificial intelligence (AI), the company added.
TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is a major social media platform globally, with more than 1 billion users. It serves as an onramp for emerging artists and is used as a promotional tool by music labels.
Universal’s repertoire of artists is immense and includes Kendrick Lamar, U2, and Bob Dylan.
Despite TikTok’s large user base, it accounts for just about 1 percent of Universal’s total revenue, the label said.
Universal also noted other problems, such as large amounts of AI-generated recordings on the platform, alongside what it called a lack of effort to deal with infringements on artists’ music.
While this dispute between Universal Music Group and TikTok may seem like a clash between two corporate giants, it has significant implications for both artists and users of the popular social media platform.
For artists and songwriters, fair compensation for their work is crucial. The negotiations between Universal and TikTok centered around ensuring that artists receive appropriate payment for the use of their music on the platform. This issue is not unique to TikTok; it reflects a broader discussion in the music industry about the value of streaming services and the royalties artists receive.
The protection of artists from the potential harms of artificial intelligence is another important aspect of the negotiations. As AI technology continues to advance, there is a concern that artists’ work could be manipulated or exploited without their consent. Universal’s focus on addressing this issue demonstrates their commitment to safeguarding the rights of their artists.
On the user side, the removal of Universal’s music from TikTok’s library means that popular songs by artists like Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, and The Beatles will no longer be available for users to include in their videos. This could impact the creativity and engagement of TikTok’s user base, as music often plays a central role in the platform’s content.
Furthermore, the issue of online safety for users was raised during the negotiations. TikTok has faced scrutiny over its handling of user data and privacy concerns. Universal’s insistence on addressing this issue highlights the importance of protecting users from potential risks associated with social media platforms.
While Universal Music Group’s decision to remove its music from TikTok may seem like a drastic move, it is important to note that TikTok accounts for just about 1 percent of Universal’s total revenue. This indicates that the financial impact on Universal may not be significant in the short term. However, it does raise questions about the future of music licensing on social media platforms and the fair compensation of artists.
In conclusion, the breakdown in negotiations between Universal Music Group and TikTok has resulted in the removal of Universal’s music from the platform. This dispute highlights the ongoing challenges in the music industry regarding fair compensation for artists, the protection of their work from AI manipulation, and the safety of users on social media platforms. As the music and technology landscapes continue to evolve, finding a balance between these interests will be crucial for the industry’s growth and sustainability.
Source: The Manila Times
