Games Gadgets n Technology

Los Angeles: MySpace.com will use “audio fingerprinting” technology to block users from uploading copyright music to the social networking site, the company said Monday.

MySpace said it will review all music files uploaded by community members to their online profiles. The files will be run through a music database from Gracenote Inc.

“MySpace is staunchly committed to protecting artists’ rights, whether those artists are on major labels or are independent acts,” said Chris DeWolfe, MySpace CEO and co-founder.

The company said users who repeatedly attempt to upload copyright music files will be permanently barred from the site.

The site has come under fire from major record labels who have sued in some cases to prevent copyright music from being included as the soundtrack to user-generated content.

The challenge of policing its users’ music choices, however, is just one issue facing MySpace, which has skyrocketed in popularity over the past year.

The social networking site must address concerns that it has become a tool for paedophiles to establish first contact with children.

MySpace has also been grappling with frequent spam attacks and has had to take steps to limit invitations from bogus “friends” sent to thousands of users at a time.