http://blog.wired.com/mus...m-sue.html

YouTube cut content deals with Universal Music Group, Sony/BMG, and CBS that require YouTube to remove "unauthorized" content using filters. But apparently, videos that use copyrighted songs in ways that seem to constitute "fair use" are being pulled from the site too as part of the dragnet.

A mother who had uploaded a video of her toddler dancing to Prince's "Let's Go Crazy" only to see it deleted by YouTube has filed suit (in conjunction with the Electronic Freedom Foundation) against Universal Music Group.

Stephanie Lenz's 29-second recording shows her son bouncing along to the Prince song "Let's Go Crazy," which is heard playing in the background... last month, YouTube informed Lenz that it had removed the video from its website after Universal claimed that the recording infringed a copyright controlled by the music company. Under federal copyright law, a mere allegation of copyright infringement can result in the removal of content from the Internet.

"I was really surprised and angry when I learned my video was removed," said Lenz. "Universal should not be using legal threats to try to prevent people from sharing home videos of their kids with family and friends."

"Universal's takedown notice doesn't even pass the laugh test," said EFF Staff Attorney Corynne McSherry. "Copyright holders should be held accountable when they undermine non-infringing, fair uses like this video."

Last May, UMPG's parent company, Universal Music Group, sent a baseless copyright takedown demand to YouTube for a video podcast by political blogger Michelle Malkin. That video was quickly reposted after Malkin fought back.

"Copyright abuse can shut down online artists, political analysts, or -- as in this case -- ordinary families who simply want to share snippets of their day-to-day lives," said EFF Staff Attorney Marcia Hofmann. "Universal must stop making groundless infringement claims that trample on fair use and free speech."

Been posted.

I wonder what will happen?

ufoclub said:

rofl ... a bridge too far

BTW: what's with y'all sweaty people

One4All4Ever said:

What do you mean by a bridge too far?