MP urges licensing rules for music in political campaigns

Samfylkingin substitute MP Sverrir Bergmann Magnússon has called on political parties to secure permission before using music in campaign material, mbl.is reported. Speaking during a parliamentary debate, he raised concerns about music being used to promote political messages on social media.

Magnússon said music had been used to support political messages in the run-up to a recently held referendum. He asked whether the required permissions had been obtained and whether creators and recording rights holders had been consulted, or whether campaigners had assumed music on social media was free to use.

He said STEF’s guidance distinguishes between rights to a song and rights to a recording. Permission for one does not grant permission for the other, and being able to select a song on a smartphone does not mean it can be used in a sponsored advertisement.

Linking a well-known song or performer’s voice to a political cause could lead the public to believe the artist supports it, Magnússon said. He argued that artists should be free to decide whether and how they are associated with political campaigns, and that their work should be respected through payment. Many people in creative fields struggle to make a living from their work, he added.

Magnússon urged political parties and MPs to develop shared guidelines with STEF and representatives of performers and publishers on permissions and payments. He also called on the Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education to accelerate implementation of the DSM Directive, which he said aims to strengthen the position of creators and performers, ensure fair remuneration and clarify the responsibility of content-sharing platforms.