Labels agree to new online music transparency measures in France

The major labels have agreed to a new code in France that will enforce more transparency in the online music business. The code is the result of negotiations between labels, digital services, artists, and unions, and a committee led by the French Minister for Culture will oversee its implementation. It includes more clarity over how the advances from platforms like YouTube are shared and what the majors’ equity stakes are in digital music services.

“This code represents a genuine opportunity for the industry to move forward together and agree not to repeat the sins of the past where artists have not benefitted equitably from the massive growth in the digital market,” said Paul Pacifico, president of the International Artist Organization.

This news comes on the heels of the labels’ revised agreement with SAG-AFTRA, which updated the rules for calculating international streaming and download revenue.