Update, September 30 at 4:30 pm ET: YouTube says it has reached an agreement with SESAC and that the affected songs will return to the platform soon. A spokesperson provided the following comment: “We are pleased that SESAC has reconsidered our offer. We have reached an agreement and the content will be available again shortly. We appreciate everyone's patience during this time.”
The original story, titled “YouTube blocks songs from artists like Adele and Green Day amid licensing negotiations,” remains unedited.
Songs by popular artists have begun to disappear from YouTube as the platform's deal with performance rights organization SESAC (Society of European Performing Authors and Composers) approaches its expiration date. As reported by VarietyCertain songs by Adele, Green Day, Bob Dylan, REM, Burna Boy and other artists have been blocked in the United States, although not necessarily all of their catalogs are affected. Videos that have been removed, such as Adele's “Rolling in the Deep,” now only show a black screen with the message: “This video contains SESAC content. It is not available in your country.”
In a statement to Engadget, a YouTube spokesperson said the platform has been in talks with SESAC to renew the agreement, but “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 discussions with SESAC and hope to reach a new agreement as soon as possible.” According to a source who spoke with VarietyHowever, the deal hasn't even expired yet (it will reportedly end sometime next week) and the move by YouTube may be a negotiating tactic. SESAC has not yet commented.
