Robin Abeyesinhe, managing director of TCAT, a subsidiary of One Media iP Group PLC (AIM:OMIP), discusses the launch of the "TCAT Protect" app with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion.
The app, launched last week, is designed to help music rights holders, such as musicians and bands, identify illegal exploitation of their music. Users can upload their tracks to the system, which then identifies potential illegal use by matching content with major streaming services like Spotify, Amazon, iTunes, Napster, and Deezer.
Abeyesinhe highlighted the significant issue of illegal music exploitation, noting that the streaming and downloading market, valued at over $30 billion, could see up to a third of its content exploited illegally. TCAT Protect offers a seven-day free trial where users can upload their music, which TCAT then fingerprints and matches against available digital streaming platforms (DSPs).
The system reports any matches, indicating where the content is available and providing a risk score based on metadata analysis. While TCAT cannot confirm infringements due to a lack of licensing agreement information, it guides users on verifying potential infringements and issuing takedown notices.
Abeyesinhe emphasised the uniqueness of TCAT Protect, especially in its comprehensive packaging and global accessibility. The app is available through the TCAT website.