Meta and Universal Music Group signed a new licensing agreement focused on artificial intelligence

Meta and Universal Music Group are renewing their licensing agreement to expand the use of content in more Meta applications. The new deal also covers licensed media across Threads and WhatsApp, as well as content like short videos on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and Meta Horizon.

Meta’s vice president of music and content business development Tamara Hrivnak In a press release, Meta said the partnership between UMG and Universal Music Publishing Group will allow the companies to work together in new ways on WhatsApp and other apps. The companies explained that the partnership in question is multifaceted and will, among other things, address unauthorized AI-generated content that could impact artists and songwriters.

Meta and Universal Music Group have had agreements since 2017. This agreement allowed users to upload videos and content using music from Universal Music Group on platforms such as Instagram and Oculus to address copyright infringement issues.

This deal follows TikTok’s feud with Universal Music Group earlier this year. At the time, the label’s music catalog was removed from the short-form video app. Universal Music Group emphasized its concerns about artificial intelligence and online security on the platform in a statement published in February. Following this, the two companies declared a ceasefire in May, and the music of the artists within Universal Music Group returned to TikTok.