MySpace.com said Monday it has licensed technology from Gracenote that will allow it to block unauthorized copyrighted music from being posted on its site.

The social networking site will use Gracenote’s MusicID audio-fingerprinting technology and Global Media Database to review music uploaded to its site. The software will allow it to search through members’ profiles to find copyrighted music.

Los Angeles-based MySpace will be able to identify copyrighted music in the Global Media Database and block uploads of such music.

“MySpace is staunchly committed to protecting artists’ rights—whether those artists are on major labels or are independent acts,” MySpace CEO Chris DeWolfe said in a statement.

Copyright issues have been a concern for MySpace and others. Video-sharing site YouTube has been the object of concern from analysts, and others who have pointed out copyright issues.

So far, YouTube has shown a willingness to protect copyright holders, recently agreeing to yank nearly 30,000 files at the request of a group representing the Japanese entertainment industry (see YouTube: Another 29,549 Bite It).

MySpace deletes the accounts of users who repeatedly attempt to upload unauthorized music.

Emeryville, California-based Gracenote, formerly known as CDDB, provides embedded software and metadata to help manage digital media. Its technology is embedded in the media players of Apple iTunes, Yahoo Music Engine, RealNetworks Rhapsody, Napster, and AOL Winamp.

Shares of MySpace’s parent company, News Corp., rose $0.04 to $21.75 in recent trading.

Contact the writer:SMartin@RedHerring.com

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