Google is close to implementing a filtering system called “Claim Your Content” that they will use on YouTube to prevent users from uploading copyright material. YouTube has come under fire from content rights holders after being aquired by Google, and is currently being sued by Viacom.
The filtering system was supposed to have launched last year at YouTube, which Google acquired for $1.6 billion in October 2006. Delays in rolling it out have caused consternation among movie and television executives. Executives at NBC and Viacom have accused Google of dragging its feet on preventing YouTube users from uploading clips from hit shows and movies.
Network executives of accused Google of stalling so YouTube could reap the big traffic that professionally-created shows generate. Viacom filed a $1 billion lawsuit against Google last month and accused Google massive intentional copyright infringement.
It will be interesting to see how well this system really prevents copyright material from finding it’s way on the site.
Variety also had comments from Google CEO Eric Schmidt about YouTube experimenting with running ads before and after video clips.
In addition to selling ads for partners, Schmidt briefly talked about plans to integrate video ads on YouTube. He said his company is experimenting with running ads before and after videos, but he seemed specifically excited about the possibility of targeting those who watch numerous videos on a specific topic.
“We can separate the fans from the casual viewers and take them to a much deeper site,” he said, citing a partnership with the National Basketball Assn. on YouTube that drives frequent basketball watchers to NBA.com.
It sounds like YouTube now has deals with both the NBA and NHL so it sounds like this copyright filtering system may help them secure deals with other sports or leagues.
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