Pandora blocks listeners outside US

Licences force Pandora to close its doors to global users

3 May 2007 10:37 GMT / By Ryan Haynes

Pandora has had to block all users originating from a non-US IP address due to legal pressure from record companies.

The popular internet radio station for users to build custom playlists and discover new music, has had to keep to its roots. Pandora always stated it was an American service only, but had its site open to everyone - however due to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act streaming can only be made to US-based listeners.

There are no laws requiring copyright holders to licence work for wider consumption on the internet, although the company has been working to secure UK licences there has been no success as yet. Pandora's founder has said that they have experienced months of pressure from record companies to limit the availability of the service.

The site will maintain a record of bookmarked artists, songs and other settings, and will continue to work on licences across the globe for avid fans.

Full tags

Software, Online, Internet radios, Pandora