Universal Music Group recently signed a new licensing agreement with China’s TikTok app, the platform where artists like Taylor Swift and Drake are featured. The deal, announced by TikTok and Universal Music Group, will bring back UMG’s music to the popular video-sharing app after a temporary hiatus. The new agreement includes promotional opportunities and protection for generative artificial intelligence (AI). UMG’s CEO, Lucian Grainge, emphasized the importance of music and creativity in this renewed partnership.
At the same time, President Joe Biden signed a bill that requires TikTok’s parent company, Chinese tech giant ByteDance, to sell the app within nine months or face a ban in the United States. This decision comes amid concerns about national security and the influence of a foreign-owned app on American kids and teens. TikTok’s CEO responded to the legislation, stating that the parent company plans to challenge the sell-or-ban law in court, using America’s laws to defend its position. ByteDance has also expressed a preference for shutting down TikTok in the US if their legal challenge fails.
For more updates, you can follow Alana Mastrangelo on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
