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Google ordered to hand over user details to Viacom.
Do you use YouTube.com? Well, the US judicial system has ordered Google to hand over the details of all users, ever, since YouTube started. But just what are those details? You won’t escape if you have a dummy email address because your computer’s I.P. address (Internet Protocol Address) will be submitted.
This has me really riled up as I didn’t enter into a transaction with Viacom. I don’t use their material. I don’t create videos with their TV shows. Therefore, I don’t want them having a long list with my email address and IP address on it.
Legalese
When reading the actual judgment (source, techcrunch.com) one discovers two aspects of the case that are interesting. The first is that the data will not go to Viacom directly, but to outside advisors that can then assist Viacom in enforcing their rights against YouTube and Google.
Who might those outside advisors be? I think a good place to start would be the Board of Directors at Viacom, and then to have a look at the other Boards that they sit on.
(Company Map created by myself using theyrule)
No comment on the map above.
The second interesting aspect is that Viacom is a bit cheeky! Not only did they ask for User Data, but they also asked for the Google Search Source Code used on Google.com. That is like asking for the recipe of the Coca-Cola Syrup.
How cheeky is Viacom? Other requests include:
- The source code for the YouTube.com search function
- The source code for the Video ID program on YouTube
- Production of all removed videos
- Data from the Logging database concerning each time a YouTube video has been viewed on the YouTube website or through embedding on a third-party website
- Production of the schema (an outline or model) for the Google Adwords database and Adsense Database
- Production of the schema for the Google Video Content database
What did they get?
- YouTube.com search source code - DENIED
- Source code for Video ID program on YouTube - DENIED
- All removed videos - GRANTED
- Data from the Logging database on YouTube - GRANTED
- the Google Adwords database and Adsense Database - DENIED
- Google Video Content database - GRANTED
Brilliant.
In closing,… a message to YouTube.