Universal Music has accused TikTok of pressuring and threatening to replace musicians with artificial intelligence
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Universal Music Group, the largest music label representing stars like Taylor Swift and Elton John, has criticised Chinese social network TikTok. The company accused the platform of abusing its market position and promoting content created by artificial intelligence.
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According to Universal, negotiations to extend its licensing agreement with TikTok, which expired on 31 January, have stalled. The platform has offered royalties that are "many times less" than similar deals with other social networks.
In addition, TikTok makes heavy use of AI-generated music and the tools to create it. This, according to Universal, threatens the income of real musicians and is effectively "sponsoring artist replacement by AI".
Universal Music also criticised TikTok for its inaction in tackling fake content, cyberbullying and copyright infringement.
Attempts to discuss these issues went nowhere. Starting on 31 January, UMG began removing its music from the social network.
While Universal Music has not announced a breakup with TikTok, it has called on the platform "respects human creativity" and to provide a safe environment. Otherwise, negotiations for a new licence agreement could completely collapse.
In response, TikTok said Universal Music Group has put its own greed ahead of the interests of musicians.