Youtube blocks songs of Kendrick Lamar, Adele and Britney spears
YouTube blocks songs in the US by artists such as Adele, Bob Dylan, Green Day, and Kendrick Lamar due to a legal dispute with the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (SESAC). SESAC is a performance-rights organization with over 30,000 songwriters in its catalog. The video-streaming platform says its license with SESAC has expired, prompting the removal of music content.
Why YouTube Blocked Songs
YouTube explained that it failed to reach an agreement with SESAC regarding a license renewal. As a result, songs by artists under SESAC’s catalog are blocked in the US. However, reports suggest SESAC’s current deal with YouTube doesn’t expire until next week, making this move appear to be a negotiating tactic.
In a statement, a YouTube spokesperson noted, “We take copyright seriously, and content represented by SESAC is no longer available on YouTube in the US. We are actively discussing a new deal with SESAC.”
Impact on YouTube Users
Users attempting to listen to songs by Adele, Kendrick Lamar, Nirvana, and others now see the message: “This video contains content from SESAC. It is not available in your country.” This development has frustrated YouTube Premium subscribers, with many voicing complaints on social media. Despite the backlash, YouTube has made it clear that it has no plans to offer refunds or discounts. Users do have the option to cancel their subscriptions.
What’s Next?
YouTube remains in discussions with SESAC, though no timeline for resolution has been provided. For now, US users cannot access music from the affected artists, and it’s unclear when the songs will return to the platform.
The move as YouTube blocks songs in the US has caused unrest among users, leaving fans without access to tracks from some of their favorite artists. While negotiations continue, fans are eagerly awaiting updates. We will continue to monitor the situation for further developments.
