TikTok, the popular social media platform known for its music-based content, is facing a significant crisis as it loses access to some of the biggest names in the music industry. Taylor Swift, BTS, and Drake have all decided to sever ties with TikTok due to concerns over the platform’s artificial intelligence (AI) features.
Universal Music Group (UMG), one of the world’s largest music labels, has taken a strong stand against TikTok, stating that it has called time out on the platform. UMG is pressuring TikTok to improve its rules on AI, online safety, and artist compensation. The label accuses TikTok of not adequately compensating artists and songwriters, despite its massive user base and advertising revenue.
In a statement, UMG raises concerns about AI-generated infringements of its artists’ work. The label claims that TikTok not only allows these infringements but also actively encourages them by assisting users in generating AI content. UMG further accuses TikTok of attempting to dilute the royalty pool for human artists by demanding a contractual right that would enable AI-generated content to replace human artists.
The statement also criticizes TikTok’s content takedown process, which is described as cumbersome and inefficient. It specifically references the recent scandal involving AI-generated explicit images of Taylor Swift, implying that TikTok’s response was inadequate.
UMG alleges that TikTok responded to its concerns with indifference and then intimidation. TikTok reportedly attempted to bully UMG into accepting a deal that offered less than the label’s initial proposal. The platform allegedly selectively removed the music of certain developing artists while retaining the content of globally recognized stars.
This is not the first time UMG has taken issue with AI-generated content. Last year, the label actively fought against an AI-generated song that imitated its artists Drake and The Weeknd. The song, titled Heart on My Sleeve, was repeatedly removed from streaming platforms, including Spotify and TikTok, only to reappear soon after.
With UMG’s contract with TikTok set to expire, it is clear that the label is prioritizing its artists’ rights and its financial interests. The loss of high-profile musicians like Taylor Swift, BTS, and Drake is undoubtedly a blow to TikTok, given their immense popularity.
In summary, TikTok is facing a significant crisis as it experiences the departure of major artists such as Taylor Swift, BTS, and Drake. Universal Music Group has decided to sever ties with TikTok due to concerns over AI, online safety, and artist compensation. The label accuses TikTok of not adequately compensating artists, allowing AI-generated infringements, and attempting to dilute the royalty pool for human artists. This is not the first time UMG has clashed with AI-generated content. The contract between UMG and TikTok is set to expire soon, indicating UMG’s commitment to protecting its rights and those of its artists.
