Music Coach – A virtual coach designed to link users with licensed SESAC music and encourage them in their practice time. Being the large PRO that it is, SESAC represents an extensive amount of artists and composers. Mum’s can have their music hidden behind very tight copyright rules and even licensing agreements that might restrict access by geographic location, What does this mean for the VPN-using community and how you can continue to listen to your favorite playlists?
The Role of SESAC in Licensing
The public performance rights of its members are handled by SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers) There are negotiations and licensing deals to be made with streaming platforms, radio stations, and even live venues. For instance, some music may be restricted based on geographical region, as is the case for some songs or catalogs that are geo-encoded within licensing terms of SESAC.
VPNs: The Bypass Tool
A VPN can be used by many to disguise their location and to gain access on content that is specific to geo-location. Like if a Playstation 4 would be able to bypass the region lock on games… which means that in theory, if a song is being exclusively distributed by SESAC, then neither German nor Sweden users can listen to it without going through VPN so it makes him appear American; even if they do not have their atrocious laws. Walks on a Legal Tightrope but this said method is treading a fine line legally.
Is SESAC Coming After VPN Users?
Though SESAC has not so far deemed to come down on VPN users, the digital rights management industry and its business practices / demagoguery don’t preclude that from happening at some point in the future. Content providers and streaming platforms are already wrestling with VPNs under the pretext of protecting their licensing agreements. Going forward, if users refuse to accept regional restrictions, platforms like Netflix and Spotify will show them out of the door. It is possible that, as a licensing association, SESAC might do the same and collaborate with these platforms to further secure their digital rights.
The Legal Risks of Bypassing SESAC Licensing with VPNs
Most streaming platforms do not allow you to use a VPN to access shows and movies that have been geo-restricted. This is bad for the user and the artist. Songwriters and composers need mechanisms to track royalties in order to get credit for their work, but if a song is being listened to more or less frequently in other regions entirely due to VPN use, this could hurt the pocket of an artist who deserves otherwise.
How to Protect Your Playlists
If you are using a VPN in order to get music, some changes that you may want to avoid any problem with your playlist enjoyment:
1. Stream Legit: When it comes to steaming, your safest bet is with licensed services like Spotify or Apple Music—both of which SESAC songs are available on. What these services are doing will use with the negotiation of legitimate licenses thus in the end they offer you legal music which can be performed devoid of interruptions.
2. Regional Availability: Make sure the content that you want to access using a VPN is available in your region They may not be available everywhere since platforms have differing agreements with PROs like SESAC.
3. Better Stay Updated: Please keep an eye open on SESAC policies, as well as streaming platforms notices to prohibit VPN uses. This will help us keep you updated as things evolve and as access restrictions change in the future.
Conclusion
Although SESAC has not yet made any moves against those using VPN services, the growing attitude towards stricter digital rights management on the part of a range of service providers leaves open the possibility this could be changed. These will help ensure your favorite playlists remain intact and that the artists you love get paid for their works, respectively: play nice with the law and mind regional restrictions when streaming SESAC-licensed tracks. You can rest assured that trough knowing how these systems works, and making educated decisions you will be able to keep listening to music without any uncertainties.