Facebook e Instagram have reached a transitional agreement with the Italian Society of Authors and Publishers (Yes). Meta, the parent company of the social networks, has managed to agree: this will allow users to use Italian music tracks again for their photos, videos and stories. Despite this, there are still some details to be finalized between the two sides. Let's find out more details.
Meta and Siae find an agreement: music is back on Instagram and Facebook
In 2020, Facebook and Instagram had obtained permission to use Italian music tracks on their platforms in exchange for an unspecified sum. However, the contract had been frozen on 15 December 2022 to coincide with its expiry and renewal negotiations.
The 16 March 2023, Meta halted negotiations and removed all SIAE-protected music. Subsequently, a meeting was held at the joint Culture and Transport commissions of the Chamber, but no result was reached.
The subsequent summit on April 6 at the Ministry of Culture also failed to lead to a solution, despite the presence of a Meta representative directly from Menlo Park.
At that point, the Communications Authority (Agcom) intervened by initiating a precautionary proceeding to restart the negotiations and at the same time restoring the availability of the contents for the entire negotiation period, until 6 October.
The satisfaction of Siae and Meta
Siae has issued a statement in which it expresses its satisfaction with this transient result, but remains committed to protecting the interests of its members, working tirelessly to reach a definitive and lasting agreement based on fairness and transparency, as also required by the European Copyright Directive.
Here is Siae's note: “There is satisfaction for this result, sought and achieved, but it remains committed to protecting the interests of its members, continuing to work tirelessly to reach a definitive and lasting agreement based on fairness and transparency, as also requested by the European directive on Copyright. You also undertake to carry on the negotiations in compliance with the decisions and precautionary measures dictated by the Antitrust".
It also undertakes to continue negotiations in compliance with the decisions and precautionary measures established by the Antitrust. Meta also confirmed the transitional agreement with SIAE through an official note: "We are pleased to announce that we have agreed an extension of the license agreement with SIAE – reports a company spokesman – This will allow for users and creators to access our complete music library, including the SIAE catalogue, in full compliance with the copyright of artists and composers. The pieces of the SIAE repertoire will be restored on our platforms, until the 6 October. We will continue negotiations with SIAE in good faith in the hope of reaching a long-term agreement".
