YouTube Threatens Blogger

[Randy Twizzle]

November 16, 2006 -- About the last thing blogger Michael Arrington expected to get from YouTube, a video-sharing site that has been accused of copyright infringement, was a letter accusing him of copyright infringement.

Arrington, the force behind TechCrunch.com and a self-proclaimed YouTube fan, was dumbfounded yesterday when the company sent him a cease-and-desist letter.

YouTube's attorneys claim he aids people in making unauthorized copies of videos posted on YouTube's site.

His offense? He created a piece of software that allows users to download and save YouTube videos to their computer hard drives. He also walked them through how to use the software in a recent posting.

"Your practice of inducing users to violate their contractual agreement with YouTube constitutes a tortious interference of a business relationship, and in fact, many business relationships," according to the letter, which Arrington posted on his site.

YouTube argues that under its "terms of use," users can only stream the videos on the Web; they can't download them to their computers. But Arrington said on his blog that he can't find that language anywhere on YouTube's site.

A spokeswoman for YouTube told The Post, "We believe our Terms of Use are clear on this point, but in light of the recently-expressed confusion we will consider revising our Terms of Use to avoid any further confusion."

The charge is ironic considering YouTube is struggling with similar issues. The company has said it complies with copyright laws and removes unauthorized clips when notified, but users continue to post clips from popular TV shows and music videos without permission.

YouTube has tried to ward off potential lawsuits by striking revenue-sharing agreements with big media and music companies. Still, Google, which is acquiring YouTube for $1.65 billion, disclosed that has set aside $200 million to deal with legal liabilities.

"Of course, the irony of YouTube accusing others of copyright infringement is delicious," Arrington said.

Arrington said he will remove the software rather than fight. But his loyal readers, who look to his blog for Silicon Valley scoops were all to happy to point out the proverbial pot calling the kettle black.

[neveronfriday]

"Of course, the irony of YouTube accusing others of copyright infringement is delicious," Arrington said.

If you know that they have a trillion new agreements with labels and are trying to cover their financed asses, it is no surprise at all. Once the labels have a solid grip on youtube, it'll be down the tubes (pardon the pun) faster than you can say "Told you so."

And because I'm venomous today, it serves Arrington right.

I DO NOT like that guy. A-list blooger or not.

I'll get back to my Rum now ...

[Claude]

Thanks for posting this.

Here's a link to the article, with additional info:

http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/11/15/huh-y...a-cease-desist/