I have a social network and i would like to integrate some kind of music player so my members can have songs on their profiles. With so many copyright laws i dont know what i'm allowed to do and what i am. Can I provide an upload feature where members can upload music from their computer and play it on their profiles? Once they upload they can't share it with anyone it will just be there to listen to it. Allowed or not? Any other ways i can provide music on my site?
If you are from UK here are contacts of people who can give you the rights to upload copyrighted stuff on your web site. It cost about £ 100. Here are the contacts: Mechanical Copyright Protection Society) license the recording of copyright music MCPS For general enquiries, MCPS and PRS Head Office: MCPS-PRS Alliance Copyright House 29-33 Berners Street London W1T 3AB Tel: 020 7580 5544 PPL (Phonographic Performance Ltd) license the public performance and broadcasting of sound recordings. VPL (Video Performance Ltd) license the public performance and broadcasting of video recordings: PPL/VPL, 1 Upper James Street London W1R 3HG Tel: 02071 534 1000 Fax: 02071 534 1111 The Performing Right Society Ltd 29-33 Berners Street London W1T 3AB Tel: 0207 580 5544 fax: 0207 306 4455
Just put in your terms and condition (for the users) that any copyrighted material will be removed if requested by the owner. Then deal with it when someone complains (ie remove it). Myspace etc dont give a fk
Myspace was sued my Universal Music Group for copyright infringement by users who uploaded songs: http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20061117-8247.html The difference between you and Myspace is that Myspace is owned by a huge media conglomerate with a crack team of attorneys and you are just a guy. MySpace argues that they are not responsible under the safe harbor provision of the DMCA. At the minimum, you web site has to comply with the DMCA to have a safety net. Read more here: http://www.chillingeffects.org/dmca512/faq.cgi#QID125 Note that even if you assume Myspace followed all the legal requirements - that did NOT stop them from being sued. You should probably consult with an attorney who specializes in internet copyright law to be sure you are complying with all of the requirements.