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SoundCloud users still at risk of takedowns despite new licensing agreement

Despite initial reports that SoundCloud would no longer be removing DJ mixes for copyright infringement, a blog post published yesterday on its website states that this may not entirely be the case, reports Pitchfork. 

Earlier this month, a German-language interview between SoundCloud co-founder Eric Wahlforss and German music publication Groove Magazine quickly circulated around the web, as Wahlforss said that mixes could now be uploaded "problem-free" following newly-made agreements with licensing groups such as Germany's GEMA. In the last few years, an increasing number of artists have expressed their frustration with SoundCloud's stringent copyright policies, which at times result in tracks and mixes being removed, or a user's account deleted altogether—even when it's their own music. 

In the post, SoundCloud writes that, due to these agreements, there have been "far fewer" takedowns of content, including DJ mixes. "With that, it's important to note takedowns are at the request of creators. While the agreements we have in place across the industry have greatly lessened the likelihood of takedowns, as a creator driven platform, we respect all creators, and therefore we respect the rights of all creators who request to have their content removed." 

Read the full statement below. 

"There have been a number of incoming questions this week from our community around creativity and content on SoundCloud. Today, through a number of agreements with labels, publishers and other partners, there are far fewer takedowns of various forms of content – including DJ sets – shared on SoundCloud. It's clear from our conversations and agreements with the industry and creative community as a whole, that enabling a place for all forms of creativity to live is important, and that SoundCloud can be that place. 

With that, it's important to note takedowns are at the request of creators. While the agreements we have in place across the industry have greatly lessened the likelihood of takedowns, as a creator driven platform, we respect all creators, and therefore we respect the rights of all creators who request to have their content removed. 

As always, SoundCloud's aim is to continue building a unique ecosystem where all forms of expression can live and thrive. The community of creators who gather, share their work and collaborate on SoundCloud is hugely important to us. Creators on SoundCloud continue to be a driving force in pushing culture forward in the world, and we are honored to be the place to help amplify the millions of creative voices who call SoundCloud home."

Source: thump.vice.com

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