Universal Music Group (UMG) has launched a scathing critique of TikTok’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI) as the ongoing dispute over copyright intensifies, resulting in the removal of more popular music from the social media platform.
The outcome of these closely watched negotiations could have significant ramifications across industries as two of the most powerful players in music and technology vie for control in a landscape fraught with uncertainty regarding AI usage.
In early February, the music of Taylor Swift, BTS, and Drake exited TikTok after Universal failed to renew their rights agreement, which expired on January 31.
This week, TikTok began removing music from all artists associated with Universal’s vast publishing catalog, following the multinational’s demand. All songs written by Universal Music Publishing Group composers were pulled, affecting artists like Harry Styles and SZA, even if they are not directly signed under UMG’s label.
TikTok issued a statement, asserting their commitment to reaching a fair agreement with the music giant while complying with Universal’s request to remove songs written by its composers. However, TikTok expressed concern that this action impacts not only the represented artists but also those who have not signed with Universal.
In a late Thursday statement, Universal countered, stating that TikTok has refused to recognize the fair value of its songs. Universal highlighted TikTok’s refusal to address concerns about AI potentially depriving composers of fair compensation and the lack of assurances that their AI models won’t be trained on their songs.
Universal accused TikTok of undervaluing their music, emphasizing that their actions affect the entire industry. This dispute has raised concerns among artists, composers, and producers who rely on TikTok as a promotional tool.
The public clash emerged in February, coinciding with the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, where producer Jack Antonoff criticized Universal’s approach, stating, “You have an entire industry saying, You have to do everything, you have to do it all, and here’s where you have to do it, and then one day it’s like, Poof, referring to music leaving TikTok.