If MySpace Can Block Copyrighted Videos, Why Can’t YouTube?

Monday, February 12th, 2007 by Andy Beal

If MySpace Can Block Copyrighted Videos, Why Can’t YouTube?

MySpace has announced a partnership with Audible Magic to identify and screen uploaded videos for copyrighted content.

Audible Magic uses audio fingerprinting technology to identify the audio digital signature in any video file and then looks for matches against a database of copyrighted content.

MySpace said it maintains a database of fingerprints uploaded by content owners. The blocking of unauthorized clips is on a voluntary basis to prevent the exclusion of materials that companies want to be uploaded, such as those by a company’s marketing department.

The process of identifying the audio channel from a video clip is a lot easier than trying to match the video content.

While many MySpace users upload audio and video content, it’s not the prime reason for MySpace’s existence – it’s merely a by-product of having a social community site. So, if MySpace is making the effort to pre-screen upload video content, you’d think a site that is entirely devoted to video uploads, would have something similar in place, wouldn’t you?

MySpace’s move leapfrogs YouTube’s efforts to roll out the ability to identify and block videos uploaded by users without copyright permission. YouTube does not screen for copyright-protected videos during the uploading process. In a conference call, Google CEO Eric Schmidt said the company would roll out the system in stages soon, but gave no timeline.

YouTube is already feeling the heat. With MySpace taking a proactive step to prevent the uploading of unauthorized content, expect the heat dial to be turned up to “11″.

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4 comments on “If MySpace Can Block Copyrighted Videos, Why Can’t YouTube?”

Nathania Johnson Says:

February 12th, 2007 at 2:08 pm

I think the bigger question is: Why are so many record companies so intent on “cracking down” on what is essentially word-of-mouth advertising? I think they’re crazy. First company to go DRM free wins.
links for 2007-02-13 at Baron VC Says:

February 12th, 2007 at 10:35 pm

[...] If MySpace Can Block Copyrighted Videos, Why Canâ€™t YouTube? Money maybe? (tags: myspace youtube) [...]
kelvin newman Says:

February 13th, 2007 at 7:36 am

It always surprised how difficult youtube were finding the problem. Shazam in the UK has been identifying songs by holding a mobile to a speaker for at least five years, with the resources of google and youtube it always seemed to me that they had no real desire to remove the copyrighted material as thats half the sites appeal.
WebProNews Video Blog » Blog Archive » MySpace Beats YouTube Says:

February 13th, 2007 at 2:17 pm

[...] Myspace announced an affiliation with Audible Magic to acknowledge and examine uploaded videos for copyrighted content. Myspace already authorizes audio fingerprinting technology from Audible. The new video fingerprinting makes Myspace the largest video site to present copyright owners that defense. This Myspace move came after Viacom demanded YouTube remove more than 100-thousand videos. Myspace CEO and co-founder Chris DeWolfe wants to shelter Myspace users. [...]

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