Meta and Universal Music Group (UMG) have announced a significant expansion of their music licensing partnership, broadening the scope of how users can interact with UMG's vast music library across Meta's platforms. Starting this week, users on Facebook, Instagram, Horizon, Threads, and WhatsApp will be able to share UMG’s music without infringing on copyright, a move that enhances the way music is integrated into social experiences.
What makes this agreement particularly noteworthy is its focus on combating “unauthorized AI-generated content.” This term addresses the growing concern over AI systems that scrape and misuse music without permission from the original creators. As AI technology advances, artists and songwriters are increasingly challenged by the unauthorized use of their work in training these models.
Michael Nash, UMG’s Chief Digital Officer, highlighted the partnership’s commitment to addressing these AI-related issues: “We look forward to continuing our collaboration to protect artists and songwriters from unauthorized AI-generated content, ensuring their rights are safeguarded now and in the future.”
This renewed partnership follows a turbulent period for UMG, including a high-profile clash with TikTok earlier this year over the use of its music catalog. The feud, which led to the removal of UMG’s music from TikTok, was partially resolved in May, with UMG’s artists returning to the platform.
Adding to the timing, the agreement comes as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), representing UMG and other major labels, pursues legal action against music generation startups Udio and Suno. The lawsuit alleges these companies trained their AI models using copyrighted material, with Sudo recently admitting to using such music, though it claims this was permissible under fair use.
In a notable addition, this agreement marks the first time users can share licensed UMG music directly through WhatsApp, expanding Meta’s music-sharing capabilities to its instant messaging app and its new social networking platform, Threads, which competes with X (formerly Twitter).
Since their initial partnership in 2017, which allowed Facebook users to upload and share videos featuring UMG’s music, Meta and UMG have continued to innovate together, now addressing emerging challenges in the music industry. This latest development underscores both companies' efforts to navigate and adapt to the evolving digital and AI landscape.
