The ongoing dispute between Universal Music Group (UMG) and TikTok has led to a significant restriction on the use of UMG-owned music on the popular social media platform. As a result of the standoff, all music owned, distributed, and published by UMG has been muted on TikTok, creating a near-complete blackout of UMG's music catalog on the platform.
Despite this blackout, new songs by UMG artists such as Ariana Grande, Camila Cabello, and Niall Horan have still been found on TikTok. This has raised questions about how these songs are able to bypass the restrictions imposed by the ban.
One possible explanation is that TikTok allows a wide range of entities, not just record labels, to upload music to the platform. This means that virtually anyone can upload music, which then appears as an 'original sound' on user posts. Once the music is on TikTok, rights-holders like UMG have limited control over it, relying mainly on takedown notices to address unauthorized use.
TikTok's detection software is tasked with identifying and muting unauthorized music on the platform. However, this can be a challenging task, as demonstrated by similar issues faced by platforms like YouTube over the years. Some users have been able to evade detection by altering the pitch or tempo of songs.
In the case of the recent UMG releases on TikTok, it appears that the platform's detection software may have been circumvented due to altered versions of the songs being used. Additionally, UMG's decision to withhold information about new releases from TikTok has further complicated the situation, potentially leading to some songs slipping through the detection process.
Furthermore, performances by UMG artists on platforms like 'Saturday Night Live' raise questions about whether these recordings are subject to the same licensing terms as officially released UMG songs. It remains unclear how these performances have interacted with TikTok's detection software.
UMG has criticized TikTok for its handling of infringing content on the platform, citing issues with content adjacency and hate speech. The music company has expressed a commitment to protecting the rights of its artists and songwriters in the face of these challenges.
The ongoing dispute between UMG and TikTok highlights the complexities of managing music rights in the digital age. As the situation continues to evolve, both parties will need to find a resolution to ensure the fair use and protection of music on social media platforms.
