Soundcloud continues to push boundaries of privacy policies; enables Universal to screen, monitor, and terminate accounts

Following the forced decision of artists like Kaskade to leave behind Soundcloud as their go-to forum for music sharing, like clockwork, the platform has provided the evidence and demonstrated exactly why the Grammy-nominated producer will be the first of many to soon follow suit. A few days ago, Soundcloud discreetly updated their Cookie and Privacy Policy that received much less of an embellished roll out than their widely ill-received iPhone application update. Though the policy change was largely eclipsed by the numerous blog and social media posts announcing the application update, a few significant changes may be the final push for users to start looking for a new sharing platform.

As Do Androids Dance reveals, the Cookie and Privacy Policy update – which becomes effective July 17th – explains that for those connected to Soundcloud via a Facebook or Google+ account, information about you will automatically be mined, collected, and monitored. Soundcloud will graciously allow users to opt out of the new policy, but doing so requires you to send a snail mail note to an office in Germany and simultaneously puts you at the probable risk of Soundcloud deleting your account entirely.

Unfortunately, the Soundcloud alterations don’t stop there. One change in particular targets artists – and not those of a Kaskade or Deadmau5 caliber, both of whom are looking to construct or already using their own platforms for fans to receive music – and unsurprisingly, users were never made aware that it was happening.

Following an email conversation between DJ Brainz, a Sub.FM DJ and owner of UK garage community forum Slick N Fresh, and Soundcloud, it became evident that the platform has handed over partial control and monitoring powers to Universal. Universal Music Group is the largest music corporation in the world and includes Interscope, Def Jam, Capitol Records, and dozens more underneath the umbrella branch of UMG. As revealed through the email correspondences, Soundcloud has given Universal full-fledged access to flag accounts, remove songs, and even terminate user accounts on behalf of the platform.

Images courtesy of Do Androids Dance.

While branches of UMG labels like Interscope continue to share music on Soundcloud and thrive unrestrained by policy changes, the question of where the line is drawn begins to surface amongst users and artists familiar with the platform. To some, it has already become clear that Soundcloud is no longer a viable atmosphere for music hosting or sharing, and it seems likely that many more will continue to follow in the footsteps of Kaskade’s recent struggle with the platform.

Via: Do Androids Dance

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