This week, TikTok is facing a particularly turbulent time due to its potential ban, set for January 19 in the United States. Meanwhile, laws and innovations related to AI continue to multiply. Let's see what unfolds!
#1. Deezer Expands Its “Artist-Centric” Model with Sacem
Deezer, in partnership with Sacem, is extending its "artist-centric" model to publishing rights in France. This system has already been implemented for recordings since 2023, and it introduces measures such as a user-centric cap, royalty boosts for highly streamed songs, and the exclusion of noise tracks from royalty calculations. This development marks a significant milestone after more than 15 months of preparation, highlighting the complexities and challenges involved in its rollout.
#2. The UK Aims to Balance AI Innovation and Copyright Protection
The UK has unveiled an ambitious 50-point plan to establish itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence. Among the proposed measures, a reform of the text and data mining regime has raised concerns among copyright holders, who fear it could weaken intellectual property protections.
The government also plans to create a national library of content to train AI systems and establish dedicated innovation zones. With the potential to generate £47 billion annually, the plan is backed by £14 billion in private investments and is expected to create 13,250 jobs.
Despite criticism, Prime Minister Keir Starmer defends the initiative as essential for maintaining the UK's competitiveness in the global AI race.
#3. Could Elon Musk be TikTok's saviour?
By January 19, TikTok could face a ban in the United States if its Chinese owner, ByteDance, does not sell the app. The "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act," cited for national security concerns, would require app stores to remove TikTok from their platforms should ByteDance refuse to divest.
A potential solution being floated involves Elon Musk acquiring TikTok's US operations. According to Bloomberg, while no official negotiations have taken place, Chinese officials reportedly view this option as an acceptable alternative if the Supreme Court upholds the divestment requirement. Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter) and known for his close ties to Chinese economic interests, is considered a credible candidate despite publicly showing no interest in the acquisition.
With a Supreme Court decision expected this week, TikTok's future in the US remains uncertain, caught between the threat of a ban, political pressures, and possible acquisition opportunities.
#4. The rise of artists from the Global South with TikTok
The track "Gata Only" by Chilean artists Cris MJ and FloyyMenor dominated the TikTok charts in 2024, highlighting the growing influence of Latin America. With a stronger presence in regions like Brazil and Mexico, TikTok has become a major player in the global music scene, where algorithms now prioritize user engagement from Global South countries.
A potential TikTok ban in the United States could disrupt this trend, limiting the connection between local artists and the American market. If banned, this shift toward regional segmentation of digital platforms could accelerate, signaling a significant cultural change within the music industry.
#5. Google tests AI for personalized podcasts
Google has recently been testing a feature that turns users' search history into a five-minute podcast, summarizing news based on their searches and activity on Discover. Currently being tested on Android and iOS in the U.S., the feature uses AI to analyze data and generate audio summaries of articles, complete with transcription and playback controls. Users can interact with the summaries, provide feedback on stories, and explore related topics through a dedicated interface. However, questions remain about privacy management and the option to opt out of the feature.
