TikTok Removes Universal Music Catalog, Including Taylor Swift and Drake Songs

TikTok has removed music by Universal Music Group artists, including Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo, after their licensing agreement expired. UMG argues that TikTok doesn't compensate its artists fairly and allows AI-generated recordings on the platform. Negotiations for a new agreement intensified leading up to the expiration, with UMG accusing TikTok of offering lower compensation rates. TikTok, in turn, accuses UMG of prioritizing greed over the interests of their artists and songwriters.