Googleis blocking UK access to music
videos onYouTubebecause of a licensing row
with the Performing Rights Society (PRS).
According to Google, licensing negotiations for the UK stalled
because of "prohibitive licensing fees" and a "lack of
transparency".
Google described the move as a "painful decision", but said the
PRS had ramped up the cost of licensing and was unwilling to
disclose what songs were included in the proposed deal.
Patrick Walker, EMEA director of video partnerships at Google,
said the company would block music videos in the UK until mutually
acceptable terms were reached.
The PRS said it was "outraged on behalf of consumers and
songwriters" by Google's action.
"This action has been taken without any consultation with PRS
and in the middle of negotiations between the two parties," the
royalty collection group said in a statement.
PRS has called on Google to reconsider the decision as a matter
of urgency.
Steve Porter, chief executive at PRS, said, "[Google's action]
only punishes British consumers and the songwriters, whose
interests we protect and represent."