TikTok under scrutiny by NMPA over potential copyright theft
The National Music Publishers’ Association is calling on Congress to investigate the ever-growing app TikTok over potential violation of U.S. copyright laws.
According to a letter sent by NMPA, the popular video app is consistently violating the rights of songwriters and music publishers.
Read more: Panic! At The Disco recruit Pete Wentz for hilarious “I Write Sins” TikTok
In a letter sent to Senator Marco Rubio on Wednesday, Oct. 16, the NMPA asks Congress to investigate TikTok over potential copyright theft.
“The scale of TikTok’s copyright infringement in the U.S. is likely considerable and deserves scrutiny,” the letter from NMPA President/CEO David Israelite reads. “We hope that if Congress looks further into matters relating to TikTok that copyright theft is included in the scope of its examination.”
The letter adds, “In addition to important censorship concerns, it appears that TikTok has consistently violated U.S. copyright law and the rights of songwriters and music publishers. Many videos uploaded to TikTok incorporate musical works that have not been licensed and for which copyright owners are not being paid.”
While the letter mentions that several publishers have negotiated licensing deals with TikTok, it claims a “large part” of the industry doesn’t have agreements in place.
Meanwhile, a TikTok spokesperson responded to the NMPA letter in a statement to Billboard.
“TikTok has broad licensing coverage across the music publishing industry covering many thousands of publishers and songwriters and millions of copyrights, and has paid royalties since its inception. The platform has spurred the success of artists and songwriters worldwide through its viral meme culture, driving chart hits and building household names. We are proud to engage with and support the music community.”
Music has continued to play a key part in the growth of the app, with many artists such as Panic! At The Disco, Lil Nas X and more taking advantage of the platform.
More on TikTok
Panic! At The Disco have taken TikTok to the next level, this time dragging in Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz into Beebo’s shenanigans.
You may recall when P!ATD put a Beebo spin on the viral “Mr. Sandman” trend back in August. Many referred to it as the TikTok from our nightmares and honestly, they weren’t wrong.
Now, Beebo is back, this time combining forces with Wentz to create a hilarious mashup titled “Dear Future Self, Close The Goddamn Door.”
The TikTok combines the new FOB track “Dear Future Self (Hands Up)” with iconic emo Panic! track “I Write Sins Not Tragedies.”
Check it out below!
Clearly @PeteWentz didn’t get the memo about closing the goddamn door https://t.co/aMu9kug09q
— Panic! At The Disco (@PanicAtTheDisco) October 16, 2019
What are your thoughts on the potential TikTok copyright theft? Do you use music on the video-sharing app? Sound off in the comments below!
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