UMG and TikTok renew deal to combat unauthorized AI music

Universal Music Group (UMG) and TikTok have extended their licensing partnership, committing to eliminate unauthorized AI-generated music from the platform and enhance the recognition of artists and songwriters. Their joint statement highlights the importance of AI safeguards that support human creativity and ensure that creators benefit from the platform's economics. This agreement follows tensions in 2024, when UMG accused TikTok of failing to adequately tackle issues related to AI music and copyright, prompting UMG to temporarily withdraw its catalog. As the music industry faces challenges from AI-generated content imitating artists like Drake and The Weeknd, TikTok has introduced "TikTok for Artists" to assist labels in accessing data and promoting artists. This deal could serve as a model for regulating AI and intellectual property in the tech sector, especially with increasing EU and US regulations.