Some people have pointed out that the most recent episode of Spoiler Warning is blocked in ALL COUNTRIES outside of the USA and UK. Apparently, we have the jackasses at IMG Media UK to thank for this. Here is another game channel that got nailed by these clowns, and here is that user’s explanation:
I’ve disputed the claim. I’m sure in a few days this will be sorted, during which time our content will be down and IMG Media UK might make some money on our efforts in regions where the video is allowed. Apparently they can issue these fraudulent claims and collect money without fear of losing their “partner” status?
Off-the-cuff ranting:
Yes, the law has set up a system of guilty until proven innocent, on the basis of a (basically) anonymous accuser who has a financial motivation for making false claims and who can do so with impunity. I can point the finger of blame at Youtube, but Youtube points the finger of blame at US Law, which obliges them to behave this way. We can point the finger of blame at the lawmakers, but they will turn around and point the finger of blame at the Old Media giants who… lined their pockets to get this horrible law passed. Actually, I guess they ignore us rather than do that.
Either way, this sucks. We can moan about creeps like IMG Media UK, but if YouTube stomps on them another company will rise to take advantage of this lucrative exploit. (Lucrative in terms of effort vs. reward.) This problem can’t be fixed without fixing the defective system that makes it possible.
Still, YouTube needs to smack down these creeps in the meantime. I realize they might not want to stand up to the major publishers in Hollywood, but if some idiots show up and claim to own all the videogame footage in the world and file disputed claims against hundreds of content producers, it should be easy to deal with them.
The YouTube dispute process is still absurd. You’re accused of copying content without given ANY indication of what the content is, or where it’s located. This is like the cops coming to your house and saying they have a tip (from a guy who makes money providing tips to cops) that you have stolen goods. They don’t know where the goods are, how you got them, or even WHAT they are, but you need to sit in jail until you can prove you own everything you have. Once you clear your name, there is no penalty for the tipster.
Addendum: Grrrr.
Shamus Young is a programmer, an author, and nearly a composer. He works on this site full time. If you'd like to support him, you can do so via Patreon or PayPal.
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