YouTube Blocks Music Videos from Multiple Artists Amid Dispute

Since Saturday, numerous YouTube videos featuring music from well-known artists like Adele, Green Day, Bob Dylan, Nirvana, and R.E.M. have become inaccessible to viewers in the United States.

For instance, attempting to play Bob Dylan’s iconic “Like a Rolling Stone” results in a message indicating that the video is unavailable due to content owned by SESAC, a music rights organization. It’s important to note that not all videos by these artists are blocked; some may remain available due to exemptions or oversight in the current dispute.

YouTube has attributed the removal of many popular songs to an ongoing disagreement with SESAC, which represents over 35,000 artists and publishers.

In a statement, YouTube expressed its regrets over the situation: “Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we were unable to reach an equitable agreement before its expiration. We take copyright very seriously and as a result, content represented by SESAC is no longer available on YouTube in the US. We are in active conversations with SESAC and are hoping to reach a new deal as soon as possible.”

This issue parallels a similar dispute earlier this year involving Universal Music Group and TikTok, which led to the removal of songs by major artists such as Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish from that platform.

Unlike Universal Music Group, SESAC is not a record label but a rights organization that collects royalties for songwriters and publishers, operating similarly to ASCAP and BMI. In addition to the aforementioned artists, SESAC also represents talents like Burna Boy, George Clinton, Kenny Rogers, Kings of Leon, and many others.

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