YouTube is blocking some songs from popular artists a week before a licensing contract expires. This could be a negotiation tactic, a new report suggests.

A wide variety of music has been impacted by the block, from Adele's "Rolling in the Deep," "Problem" by Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea, and Green Day's "American Idiot", to iconic tunes such as R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion," "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana, and "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan .

Songs from popular artists have begun to disappear from YouTube as the platform’s deal with the performing rights organization SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers) approaches its expiration date.