There have been cases of music being taken down on media sharing platforms as requested by the original creators. In others, the masters were confiscated and the content creators brought to trial.

Musician and vocal trainer Indra Aziz, whose classes are available on social media and media sharing platforms, said that although such cases were not yet rampant, they have hampered the work of content creators, especially cover artists.

“For those [making a] living on digital platforms, there is a situation we call ‘content trap’,” he said in a recent virtual public discussion themed Respect Other’s Work: A Look at Music Copyright in Digital Era held by the Jakarta Arts Council (DKJ). 

“Musicians have to update their content as not to lose their fans and viewers. It is impossible to release a new song every week, […] so some musicians cover a song originally recorded by a more established artists.”

Problems arise when the original artist takes the cover as a copyright violation as it was done without their prior consent.

The reason, according to Indra, is that most content creators are not familiar with the copyright system.

Popular

Anak Krakatau eruption halts flights, schools, fishing

Eight airports remain shut on Monday due to volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau

Barelang Police, Japanese diplomat hold meeting on Batam security