YouTube: Copyright Crackdown Necessary

YouTube's crackdown on copyright infringement is now hitting video game reviewers and hosts in the pocketbook. Its new policy of sending out copyright infringement notices has taken aim and video producers who include video game footage, despite a host reviewing or discussing the game.

YouTube is using an automatic system called Content ID which notifies users that their content has been flagged, removed and will not receive ad revenue, according to Polygon.

"We recently enabled Content ID scanning on channels identified as affiliates of MCNs [Multi Channel Networks]," a YouTube spokesperson told Polygon. "This has resulted in new copyright claims for some users, based on policies set by the relevant content owners."

Gamers often use videos or walk-throughs  that show game footage and discussion of the game play. Because the content is copyrighted by game developers, it will be flagged. However, several video game companies such as Capcom and Blizzard say that they view the videos as promotion rather than copyright infringement.

"As ever, channel owners can easily dispute Content ID claims if they believe those claims are invalid," the YouTube spokesperson told Polygon.
 
But it's not that easy, YouTube. According to VentureBeat, if channel owners dispute the claim and lose, they risk incurring a strike from YouTube. One too many strikes and YouTube shuts down the channel completely. If they decided not to dispute, channel owners simply lose ad revenue but have no sanctions placed upon them. This makes not challenging Content ID the prudent choice.
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