The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has published the UK Industry Agreement on Music Streaming Metadata.

As the Government explains, music streaming metadata is information which describes who contributed to a track’s creation, and how, such as who wrote a song, who performed on a recording, and who owns it.

In the era of digital music, the Government says that better quality metadata will support more accurate and timely payments for music creators from streaming.

The voluntary Agreement sets out a positive commitment from players across the UK music streaming industry to progressively improve metadata in new recordings and deliver consistent crediting on streaming services over a two-year period.

In addition to the commitments on metadata, the Government says that it will establish a working group to explore and consider industry-led actions on remuneration for existing and future creators, acknowledging recent progress by music companies in this space. The Government will be discussing the formation of the group and terms of reference with industry stakeholders over the coming weeks, recognising the importance of a successful and globally competitive music industry, and the need to consider wider issues facing creators and industry alike, including artificial intelligence.

The working group will be composed of representatives and experts from across the music sector and will consider the research and progress already made in this area. This includes the research commissioned and published by the IPO on music creators’ earnings and copyright. To read the Government’s press release in full and for a link to the Agreement, click here.