Conflict Between TikTok and Universal Music: Deleted Audios, Accusations, and Senate Hearings. Is the Future of TikTok at Risk?
Have you suddenly noticed that you can no longer hear the audio in your favorite TikToks? You’re not alone. Here’s the latest update on the ongoing issues affecting the social media platform and what this week’s Senate hearings, coupled with a conflict with Universal, could mean for the future of TikTok.
Which musicians are no longer available on TikTok? Universal Music Group, the mega-company behind Taylor Swift, Drake, U2, and Ariana Grande, released an open letter on Tuesday titled “Why We Must End TikTok.” They emphasized the importance of “proper compensation for our artists and songwriters, protection of human artists against the harmful effects of artificial intelligence, and online safety for TikTok users.” Universal specifically accused TikTok of allowing the platform to be filled with AI-generated recordings, endorsing the substitution of artists with AI.
When was TikTok officially muted? On Thursday, TikTok confirmed that it had removed music from Universal artists, muting existing videos that used that music.
How did TikTok respond to Universal? TikTok issued a statement on Tuesday, asserting that despite Universal’s “false narrative,” they have chosen to distance themselves from endorsing a platform with over a billion users. They claim to have secured artist-centric agreements with all other record labels and publishers.
Why was TikTok mentioned in Senate hearings? TikTok was called to testify on child safety. Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn warned the CEO that “Nashville won’t welcome you,” and Senator Tom Cotton questioned him about TikTok’s ties to China.
What lies ahead for TikTok? A statewide ban in Montana was recently blocked, indicating that other legal challenges may not succeed. It remains to be seen how users will respond to a version of TikTok without music from their favorite artists.
