Media companies form pact over copyright

 

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By Matthew Sparkes

Posted on 19 Oct 2007 at 08:57

Several large media companies including Viacom, Disney, Microsoft and Myspace have formed a group to protect copyright material online. The group, all of whom use user generated content (UGC) in some way, have developed a set of collaborative principles that outline how to stop UGC from infringing on copyrights.

The principles, which can be read in full here, aim to eliminate infringing content from sites while still encouraging people to create content using their services.

"We recognize that no system for deterring infringement is or will be perfect. But, given the development of new content identification and filtering technologies, we are united in the belief that the Principles set out below, taken as a whole, strike a balance that, on a going-forward basis, will result in a more robust, content-rich online experience for all," says the introduction to the set of principles.

Google is conspicuous in its absence amongst the supporters, especially since it owns runs YouTube and Google Video. Currently Google is also facing a $1bn legal battle with Viacom over copyright infringement.

"As part of one of the world's largest media companies and with original content of our own, we're vigilant about respecting and protecting copyrights. Internally, we've developed an industry-leading suite of copyright protections for content owners and we're thrilled to align forces with the world's top media and Internet companies to develop best practices," says Chris DeWolfe, CEO and co-founder of MySpace.