New Music Industry Transparency Code Goes Live

Date 31st July

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The world’s first transparency in music streaming voluntary code has today gone live (31 July). The UK’s Voluntary Code of Good Practice on Transparency in Music Streaming was developed and agreed upon by digital service providers and 12 key music industry bodies, including the MPA.

The Code, which was created in response to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s (DCMS) Inquiry into Music Streaming, sets out agreed standards of good practice, to ensure greater transparency in music contracts, streaming licensing deals, royalty payments, usage data, audit rights, and general communication to music creators. While non-compliance does not constitute a breach of legislation, new and existing contracts are covered by the Code.

As a founding signatory of the Code, the MPA pursued a 6-month education campaign to help members familiarise themselves with the Code ahead of its implementation on 31 July. Other trade associations backing the Code include the Association of Independent Music (AIM), the Digital Entertainment and Retail Association (ERA); The Ivors Academy; The Musicians’ Union; The Featured Artists Coalition (FAC); The Music Managers Forum (MMF); The British Phonographic Industry (BPI); The Music Producers Guild (MPG) and U.K. collecting societies PRS for Music and Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL).

The Code’s progress will be monitored by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) who will undertake a formal review of the Code in 2026.

Paul Clements, CEO, MPA said:
“The MPA is proud to have played its part in the creation of the world’s first Transparency in Music Streaming Voluntary Code of Conduct. Streaming has transformed the music industry, and we recognise that consistent practises around information sharing help assure confidence and build trust in this growing and hugely important digital music landscape. This Code strikes an appropriate balance between maximising transparency within the music ecosystem while respecting data privacy constraints. As a founding signatory, the MPA is committed to its success, and we plan to work diligently with our co-signatories and the IPO to make sure its principles are adhered to.”