[A2k] Japan: YouTube 'should check copyright'

[Michelle Childs]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6209414.stm

YouTube 'should check copyright'

Video website YouTube should proactively check if videos infringe
copyright, a group representing Japanese rights holders has said.

The Japan Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers
wants videos checked before they go online.

More than 100m videos are watched each day via YouTube and many are
posted without necessary permissions.

Last month 30,000 clips were taken down by YouTube at the request of
the Japanese entertainment group.

YouTube's policy has been to remove clips that infringe copyright
after it receives complaints.

The current system "is not functioning well due to the [continued]
large volume of illegal uploads," said the letter, reported the
Associated Press.

'Vulnerable'

YouTube is seen by some analysts as vulnerable to legal claims for
distributing content owned by other media.

The Japanese group has written to YouTube asking for a preliminary
screening system for video clips and a series of provisional
measures, including posting messages in Japanese about "illegal
uploads".

The group also wants uploaders - people who post videos online - to
have to register their details and face bans if they violate copyright.

YouTube, which is owned by Google, has been negotiating with leading
copyright holders and reached agreement with several firns, letting
the website post copyrighted music videos and other content in
exchange for sharing advertising revenue.

The website has licensing deals with CBS and three major recording
companies: Warner Music, Universal Music Group and Sony BMG Music
Entertainment.