More music to be slashed from TikTok
TikTok users will start to have less music at their fingertips when creating content and hear less of their favourite UMG artists on the app due to a continued licensing battle. Back in February, TikTok began removing music by top Universal Music Group artists including Taylor Swift, Drake, and Olivia Rodrigo after “the two companies failed to renew their music licensing agreement.”
In a recent statement, TikTok said “We are in the process of carrying out Universal Music Group’s requirement to remove all songs that have been written (or co-written) by a songwriter signed to Universal Music Publishing Group, based on information they have provided.” For UMG, they believe TikTok ‘bullied’ them into reaching a deal that was seen as unfair as it “didn’t address the label’s concerns about AI-generated music and artist compensation.”
So, until a deal can be reached, music lovers will not be hearing their favourite UMG artists on the app – an app that has launched and progressed the careers of many artists and launched their tracks into the lives of worldwide audiences. However, whilst this issue continues between TikTok and the music giant, YouTube is currently “attempting to court short form video makers with a new music video remix feature” that does have access to the UMG library. Whether this option will take people away from creating content on TikTok is uncertain. But it certainly proves that artists under Universal Music Group are highly desirable on the top video content channels.
Written by: Ellie-Mae Turner-Wood
Glasgow’s Willy Wonka Nightmare
How could we forget the viral sensation of the Willy Wonka Experience in Glasgow? The whole charade kicked off with misleading AI-generated ads, misleading attendees to think this event would be just like walking into the Chocolate Factory itself. But kids and parents excitedly bought tickets, dreaming of golden tickets and rivers of chocolate, only to find themselves in a sad excuse for a warehouse.
What greeted them? Not Oompa-Loompas, but confused performers lost in a sea of cheap props. And the totally legitimate character “The Unknown,” a villain straight out of AI’s wildest nightmares.
Although the event was a flop, with parents filing many complaints, the event created a storm of media attention. The narrative focusing on the dangers of AI. But who knows? Maybe “The Unknown” will make it to the big screen. Stranger things have happened.
Written by: Matthew Bleaney
Shaken or stirred? Fans split over rumoured James Bond casting
Following Daniel Craig’s retirement from the iconic James Bond role, fans have been speculating who will take on the role for the next instalment. Now, rumours have been circulating that 33-year-old Aaron Taylor-Johnson could be on the cusp of signing the biggest contract in cinema.
Previously appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or more well known amongst younger audiences for his role in teen rom-com ‘Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging’, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is a name that audiences know, or don’t, which has caused speculation about him taking on the role.
Fans have taken to social media to share their opinions, some believing “a man in his early 30s would not be Bond” and even that he has a “great face but the wrong voice.” However, an opinion any potential Bond would appreciate came from a James Bond himself, Peirce Brosnan. He gave his approval, telling RTE Radio “I’d definitely tip my hat to the fellow. I think the man has the chops, talent and charisma to play Bond. Very much so.”
It is yet to be officially confirmed that Taylor-Johnson is taking on the role but, until then, fans will continue to speculate and approve (or disapprove!)
Written by: Ellie-Mae Turner-Wood
EU passes the first Artificial Intelligence Act
In a move that’s sure to make robots across Europe shake in their circuits, EU lawmakers have given the green light to the world’s first piece of AI legislation, The Artificial Intelligence Act. After five years of deliberating the idea, the European Parliament finally gave the nod to the AI Act. This law isn’t just any old set of rules; it was poised to be the blueprint for AI regulation worldwide.
This new act categorises AI applications based on risk, with stricter regulations for high-risk uses like medical devices. It bans certain AI systems deemed too risky or unethical, such as social scoring and predictive policing. The Act also addresses generative AI, requiring developers to disclose training data and label AI-generated content. If they don’t follow the new rules, companies could be slapped with a penalty of up to 35 million euros!
So, what’s next? Once the EU member countries give their nod of approval, it’ll be official. This is only the start. This act is most likely going to be replicated and used around the globe. There could be more AI-related shenanigans on the horizon, so stay tuned…
Written by: Matthew Bleaney
That’s a wrap on This Month in Social! For weekly updates on the latest trends and stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
