Press Release: KazAK, responds to Meta’s removal of Kazakhstani music content

27 November 2024, Almaty.

KazAK, the official collective management organisation for Kazakhstani music creators, s expressing its profound disappointmentover Meta’s decision to remove all Kazakhstani music content on its platforms. KazAK views this move as negative and hostile towards Kazakhstan’s cultural representation. It shows Meta’s failure to  appreciate and support cultural diversity.

Meta is one of the largest consumers of musical content and its platforms extensively feature works by Kazakhstani music creators. For months, KazAK engaged in intensive negotiations with Meta aiming to establish a mutually beneficial agreement for the use of musical works in Kazakhstan. KazAK’s goal in these negotiations has been to ensure that Kazakhstani creators receive fair and appropriate compensation for their works. Regrettably, Meta rejected KazAK’s proposals

The crux of the disagreement lies  in determining a fair licensing fee that Meta should pay for utilising Kazakhstan's rich musical repertoire. The offers from Meta have been inadequate, unsupported by any financial data and do not reflect the commercial value of music use by Meta. KazAK firmly advocates for equitable and fair compensation for all Kazakhstani creators and believes that music holds the same value regardless of its geographic origins.

As one of the wealthiest and most influential companies in the world, Meta should be held to the same standard as any other commercial user of intellectual property. KazAK relies on the support of its members and national institutions within Kazakhstan to safeguard the rights of Kazakhstan’s musical creators. It is paramount that we collectively ensure that works of Kazakhstani authors and creators receive the recognition and respect they deserve.

KazAK reaffirms its commitment to reaching a fair agreement with Meta that recognises the cultural and commercial  value of Kazakhstani music.

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Established in 1998, KazAK is the Collective Management Organisation for music creators in the Republic of Kazakhstan . Since 1999, KazAK has been a member of CISAC, the International Confederation of Authors and Composers, uniting 226 Collective Management Organisations worldwide. KazAK carries out its activities in accordance with the CISAC professional rules and core values.