Google has launched a new education push to ensure that its YouTube users understand copyright law. The company has released a new tutorial on copyright, a redesigned copyright help center, and tweaked its rules for copyright offenders.
If YouTube receives a copyright notification for one of your videos, you'll now be required to attend YouTube Copyright School. This means that you'll have to watch a copyright tutorial and pass a quiz before you can upload more content to YouTube.
Previously, YouTube's policy was to suspend users who have received three uncontested copyright notifications, in order to deter copyright offenders. The company has changed its policy: it will now remove copyright strikes from users' accounts in certain limited circumstances, contingent upon the successful completion of YouTube Copyright School, as well as a solid demonstrated record of good behavior over time. Expiration of strikes is not guaranteed, and as always, YouTube may terminate an account at any time for violating the website's Terms of Service.
YouTube believes that it is the user's responsibility to know whether he or she possesses the rights for a particular piece of content before uploading it to YouTube. If you're uncertain of your rights or whether a particular use of content is legal under your local laws, YouTube recommends that you contact a qualified copyright attorney.
"YouTube remains committed to protecting original creative works, whether produced by an established star or the next breakout artist," a YouTube spokesperson said in a statement. "To keep this commitment, we've worked hard not only on powerful tools for copyright owners, but also to encourage good behavior from our users."
