TikTok and Universal resolve dispute over music copyright royalties
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image captionAriana Grande was one of the artists whose music was removed from TikTok in JanuaryArticle InformationAuthor, Tom GerkenRole, Technology Reporter
May 2, 2024
TikTok is set to restore millions of songs to its platform after settling a dispute with Universal Music Group over royalties.
This means users will once again be able to create videos featuring songs from artists like Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande.
However, the rift appears to have now been resolved, with both companies announcing “improved compensation” for artists, although it has not been revealed how much money will be transferred and for how much.
Universal boss Sir Lucian Grainge said in an email to staff, seen by the BBC, that TikTok had agreed to “significant changes”.
“Under the new contract, artist and songwriter compensation will be higher than under the previous TikTok contract,” he wrote.
The companies said they are “working expeditiously” to bring Universal's music back to TikTok, a process that is expected to take less than two weeks.
This includes restoring audio for videos that were previously muted during the conflict.
Taylor Swift, perhaps the label's biggest artist, had already separately agreed to bring her music back to TikTok – a deal made possible because she owns the copyright to her songs. Ta
“Music is an integral part of the TikTok ecosystem, and we are pleased to have found a path forward with Universal Music Group,” said Shou Zi Chu, head of TikTok.
The move comes as the social media platform faces a fight for its survival in the United States, where it plans to challenge laws in court that could lead to its sale or ban.
More money, less AI
Two of the biggest stars returning to the platform are Drake and The Weeknd, who are at the center of controversy over artificial intelligence (AI) in 2023.
A song that used the technology to replicate their voices went viral on TikTok, garnering 15 million views before being removed.
At the time, Universal Music Group claimed it violated copyright law.
The deal, which brings the two back together, will see the companies build in what they call “industry-leading protections” for AI on TikTok.
TikTok and Universal said in a statement that they will work together to “defend human artistry in the face of technology.”
“TikTok is [Universal] “It not only removes unauthorized AI-generated music from the platform, but also provides tools to improve artist and songwriter attribution,” they said.
Sir Lucien said the deal could result in AI songs by “fake artists” being removed.
“TikTok has addressed the key concerns we expressed in our open letter that AI-generated content will significantly dilute the royalty pool for human artists,” he said.
He said the platform had also made public commitments to not train AI on music without consent, and thanked musicians for supporting Universal's actions.
“We will work together to ensure that AI tools are responsibly developed to enable a new era of musical creativity and fan engagement, while protecting human creativity,” said Ole Obermann, head of music business development at TikTok. Ta.
Artists such as Eilish and Nicki Minaj have previously asked tech companies to agree not to develop tools that can generate music using AI.
It remains to be seen whether the promises made by both companies fully address these concerns.








