Meta unilaterally removes SIAE repertoire and creator content from Facebook and Instagram in Italy

Meta, the parent company and owner of Facebook and Instagram, has unilaterally removed the repertoire and content from SIAE, the Italian collective management organization, and its creators in Italy from the platforms. The decision excluding SIAE’s repertoire from Facebook and Instagram has left posts, stories, reels, and other social media content seeking to include Italian and most international repertoire with “Piece not available”.

SIAE and Meta were in negotiations after Meta refused to renew its contract with SIAE, which expired on January 1st, 2023. This unilateral decision by Meta was taken to impede and influence contract negotiations. Upon this occurring, SIAE, authors, publishers, record companies and the Cultural Minister of Italy have drawn attention to the tactic and have invoked infringement of Article 17 of the EU Copyright Directive.

In response to the situation, CIAM President Eddie Schwartz stated: "It is reprehensible that platforms such as Facebook and Instagram (both owned by Meta) try to intimidate their way out of their obligation to fairly compensate music creators. We at the International Council of Music Creators (CIAM) decry these strong arm tactics, and applaud the Italian government’s support of the EU Directive. The directive has made the fair compensation of music creators the law – and not subject to the whims of tech giants."