Music Publishers Sue Twitter for $250 Million, Alleging Copyright Violations

Seventeen music publishers in the United States have taken legal action against Twitter, alleging that the platform facilitated copyright infringements involving approximately 1,700 songs. The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) is seeking damages in excess of $250 million (£197.7 million). According to the lawsuit filed in the Federal District Court in Nashville, the NMPA accuses Twitter of “permitting and encouraging infringement” for profit, and claims that the situation has not improved as long as Elon Musk’s acquisition of the company.

The NMPA, representing prominent firms such as Sony Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, and Universal Music Publishing Group, asserts that Twitter continues to generate substantial profits from unlicensed music without paying the necessary licensing fees. Furthermore, the NMPA argues that this gives Twitter an “unfair advantage” over competitors like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat, which comply with music licensing requirements.

David Israelite, President of the NMPA, stated that Twitter “stands alone as the largest social media platform that has completely refused to license the millions of songs on its service.” (SIC)