Viacom wins first round in battle with Google

Posted by Katherine Thompson on July 3, 2008 at 2:32 PM

A landmark judgement in the ongoing battle between Viacom and Google found in Viacom's favor on Wednesday. Google will now have to give Viacom the record of every video watched by YouTube users, its users' names and IP addresses. Google bought YouTube in 2006.

Viacom wants the data to try and prove that videos that are reproduced illegally are more popular than user-generated footage. This could increase Google's liability if found guilty of contributory infringement.

Google say that they are not liable, as they have complied with any requests to remove videos that infringe copyright. Google also argue that handing over the data is an invasion of privacy for its users.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation said that the ruling, "threatens to expose deeply private information." They go on to say that it is a direct violation of the Video Privacy Act.

Viacom filed suit in 2007 and are seeking $1bn in damages.

Source: European Journalism Centre