Viacom, the American media conglomerate, is trying to convince users at YouTube that it requires log data as evidence for its copyright case against the Google Company, but the popular site’s users are not convinced.
A US judge had recently ordered Google to disclose to Viacom the video viewing habits of YouTube users. The district court judge backed Viacom’s request for obtaining the user data in order to support its case for the billion dollar copyright lawsuit against Google.
The result has been a counter attack launched by the site’s users. YouTube has seen the number of videos associated with the search keyword “Viacom” increase by almost 871. Most of these video are condescending of the media giant.
These videos are getting tremendous viewer ship. Titles of such videos make the user sentiments quite evident. "Viacom is a Copyright Bully," had about 7,226 views "VIACOM VS YOU = BOYCOTT," had 103,400 views while "Screw You, Viacom" as been seen 299,136 times.
Another recent search showed that number to have dropped to 320 which implies that some of the anti-Viacom videos have been removed.
Users are being requested to sign a petition urging the judge to reconsider his decision of making IP addresses available to Viacom. Unfortunately online petitions have no standings in legal appeals processes.
Viacom spokespersons are not willing to comment on what seems to be adolescents venting their anger online. However, Viacom seems to understand the sensitive nature of the situation. In a statement issued on its corporate website, it promises to keep YouTube’s data confidential.
The statement said, "Viacom has been in discussions with Google to develop a framework to share this data. We are committed to a process that will not only comply with the court's confidentiality order, but that will also meet our commitment to the strongest possible Internet privacy protections."
It is wondered if the online rage actually converts into a movement that would change the company’s policy. One thing is for sure, Viacom is unlikely to give up its lawsuit against YoutTube under the influence of YouTube user’s antipathy.
An expected solution is that Google will provide Viacom with anonymous data of its users which might put the rests to complain. This solution is probable until there is a ruling in Viacom’s copyright claim.
Privacy Invasion!!!
This is a complete invasion of privacy on the part of Viacom and our user information doesn’t have any relevance to their billion dollar lawsuit against Google. Google should be able to anatomize the user information before handing over 12 terabytes of personal information so my privacy and the privacy of millions like me are protected. I have a campaign that will force Viacom to allow Google/YouTube to protect us or 100,000 will boycott Viacom and all its subsidiaries: https://www.thepoint.com/campaigns/stop-viacom-from-invading-our-you-tube-privacy