by Vendela Krenkel ‘20

Recently, influencers have begun to speak up about their issues with Youtube’s copyright claims and some companies’ abuse of the system. Youtubers like Pewdiepie, Danny Gonzalez, and TheFatRat are relating their experiences with a process rigged in favor of companies that file claims.

If you’re unfamiliar with the system, a Youtuber will upload a video, and even if it obeys fair use laws, a company can file a copyright claim accusing the channel of stealing content. The corporation, if the claim goes through, receives all revenue on the video, and the only way this can be prevented is if the influencer disputes the claim. Youtube will review the video, but if it finds the company to be correct, the Youtuber will earn a strike on their channel (a three strikes, you’re out type of deal.)

Many influencers are calling for a new program to be implemented in which Youtube reviews the videos with a copyright claim to decide the best course of action. The continued abuse of the system places Youtubers’ incomes in the hands of corporations that can control whether they receive hard-earned revenue on any video. Right now, the ball is in the corporate court, and Youtube needs to take measures to prevent the corrupt use of its copyright claims process.