YouTube has gone beyond everybody’s expectations, and become by far the largest online video resource in the world, and one of the most visited sites on the Internet bar none.
So with this in mind, you would think that all is rosy with the world, and the company is in a very enviable position. It is, of course, but this lofty position also comes with its fair share of problems.
10 Hours Of Content A Minute
For starters, there are the sheer logistics involved when dealing with over 10 hours of content being uploaded to the site every minute. And with that comes the responsibility to filter content, both for unsavoury videos such as porn or violence, and copyrighted clips.
You’ll all likely know that Viacom is currently suing YouTube for $1 billion over the site’s responsibility to stop copyrighted clips from appearing on the site, and its failure to do so. The case is still ongoing, and is expected to last years before reaching a conclusion.
Since then, YouTube has made attempts to appease copyright owners, particularly Hollywood studios, who find scenes from their movies appear on the site on a daily basis. Obviously YouTube doesn’t fancy another hefty lawsuit, and any new measures will surely help its case against Viacom.
Is YouTube Doing Enough?
But, is YouTube actually doing enough to prevent copyrighted clips from appearing on the site, or is it still failing to fulfil the promises made a year ago on the issue?
This time last year, as CNet has taken great pleasure in reminding us, Google CEO Eric Schmidt spoke at the National Association of Broadcasters 2007 conference, and promised the gathered audience of TV and radio broadcasters that piracy would soon become a moot issue.
A year later, and rather than being a moot issue, copyright is still at the top of the agenda, and violations are still occurring everywhere you look.
Video Identification System
To be fair to YouTube, and its owner Google, things have improved considerably. The video identification system introduced in October is helping make it easier for content owners to identify their material, and have it removed from the site, but it’s hardly foolproof, and there are still masses of video breaking the rules.
A YouTube spokesperson defended the company in an email to CNet:
“Since launching in October, our Video Identification system has shown terrific results in its comprehensiveness, accuracy, and scalability,”
“Over 100 partners from independent content creators to large media companies are currently using Video ID to easily manage their content. Many have found it to be a helpful tool in generating revenue and exposure for their content in the world’s largest online video community.”
A Permanent Solution?
It seems that for now, Hollywood is allowing YouTube the time it needs to try and refine the system, and stamp out copyrighted material from appearing on the site altogether, but you have to wonder how long their patience will last.
With YouTube founder Steve Chen recently stating his case for not vetting videos before they go on the site, a permanent solution still looks a long way away. Maybe content owners are just going to have to accept that some material will find its way on to the site, and take the hit?
