YouTube reduces the chances of mistaken video takedowns (updated)
There's now a team dedicated to avoiding policy mistakes.
YouTube has taken steps to prevent mistaken takedowns of your videos, but that hasn't been enough for some. A rash of alleged policy violations in recent weeks (such as for Call of Duty clips) has triggered an outcry among creators who worry that YouTube is asleep at the wheel while its automated system goes haywire. Thankfully, the company appears to be listening. In a response to the mounting complaints, YouTube has revealed that it created a team focused on "minimizing mistakes" that take videos down without a legitimate cause. It's also promising transparency when it strips videos of revenue, and there are hints of efforts in the months ahead that will "strengthen communications" between YouTube support and video makers.
YouTube says it hasn't seen a significant boost in the number of flawed takedowns, but it's clear that the Google-owned outfit is trying to head off a potentially larger crisis. If the service develops a strong reputation for pulling or otherwise neutering legitimate videos and leaving creators hanging when they ask for help, its biggest stars might jump ship. What's to keep a "let's play" host from moving to Twitch, or a movie critic from giving up entirely? While there are no guarantees that YouTube's efforts are enough (some want it to reduce or eliminate its dependence on automated screening), it knows it can't just remain idle.
Update: YouTube tells us that copyright wasn't under discussion as part of the reforms -- rather, it was policy and monetization concerns. We've updated the post accordingly.
