The news: YouTube and YouTube Music are blocking access to material from the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (SESAC), a music rights group representing popular artists like Kendrick Lamar and Adele, amid a reported breakdown in talks for a renewed licensing contract.
- In a statement to The Verge, YouTube said it was unable to reach an equitable agreement before the existing deal’s expiration and barred SESAC content, noting that it “takes copyright very seriously.” However, Variety reported that the deal does not expire until next week.
- The conflict mirrors a similar incident earlier this year, when TikTok cut off access to Universal Music Group (UMG) material after negotiations between the two companies broke down.