YouTube blocks artists on paid music service

YouTube's Robert Kyncl says the streaming service will start blocking artists and record labels that have not signed its onerous terms and conditions. Image: RealScreen

The Google-owned online media site will start blocking videos "in a matter of days", Robert Kyncl, YouTube's Head of Content and Business Operations, was quoted as saying by the Financial Times.

Record labels representing 95% of the music industry have signed up to the new terms, he was quoted as saying, although that doesn't include independent labels like XL Recordings and Domino.

The move comes after a breakdown in talks last month between YouTube and the independent music trade organisation about the new music streaming service.

The Worldwide Independent Network said the contracts that YouTube was offering to independent labels impose "highly unfavourable and non-negotiable" terms.

YouTube is already the biggest online source of free streaming music, but it is planning a paid service to compete directly with other subscription services like Spotify.

Source: AFP via I-Net Bridge