Publishers ready to engage YouTube in copyright battle

Video creators who have suddenly been hit with copyright claims on their YouTube videos are being offered a helping hand by publishers.

Google’s use of a new audio detection software that is scanning its content has led to hundreds of video game YouTube users having their content removed. The implementation of this tech means that content is in danger even if the original copyright holder has not lodged a complaint.

Ubisoft is one of many publishers currently reaching out to the games press with the following instructions:

As you’re probably aware, many YouTubers this week have suddenly been hit with various copyright claims related to in-game audio,” it said. In June last year, Ubisoft set out its policy opening the door for channels to make videos using game content and to monetise bespoke content.

If you happen to be hit with claims on any of your Ubisoft content, it may be that some of the audio is being auto-matched against the music catalogue on our digital stores – it might show up as being claimed by our distributor ‘idol’.”

It has advised affected to users to leave their videos live and contact Ubisoft with the URL. It hopes to be able to clear content within a day of receiving word.

CVG reports that a number of other publishers such, including Blizzard and Capcom, are telling the games community to contest the claims and contact them directly.