Songs from popular artists are disappearing from YouTube as the platform’s deal with SESAC approaches its expiration date. Adele, Green Day, Bob Dylan, R.E.M., Burna Boy, and others have had certain songs blocked in the US, like Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” which now just shows a black screen with a message about the content being from SESAC. Despite efforts to renew the deal, YouTube spokespersons have been unable to reach an agreement before the expiration date, leading to content represented by SESAC no longer being available on the platform in the US. While discussions with SESAC are ongoing, reports suggest that the deal hasn’t expired yet, with termination expected sometime next week, and YouTube’s actions may be a negotiation strategy. SESAC has not yet made a statement regarding the situation.
