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Three Russian websites adopt time limits for free listening

Several Russian social media networks are adjusting their policies for use of music on their websites. Social platforms VKontakte and Odnoklassniki and music service Boom will only allow 30 minutes of access a day. Paid listeners have no restrictions on their time.

Mail.Ru Group is the parent company for those services. It has inked licensing deals with Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Merlin Network, and local labels. Russia has been a heavy source of piracy in the past, but the moves to connect with major labels show some interest in changing that reputation.

“The subscription service allows rights holders to make money on their tracks,” said a rep from United Media Agency, which handles music licensing deals for Mail.Ru. “Thanks to the partnerships with major music labels, we are expanding our library of top-quality music tracks.”

Anna Washenko

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