YouTube 'should check copyright'

YouTube viewers watch more than 100 million videos a day on the site

Video website YouTube should proactively check if videos infringe copyright, a group representing Japanese rights holders has said.

The Japan Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers wants videos checked before they go online.

More than 100m videos are watched each day via YouTube and many are posted without necessary permissions.

Last month 30,000 clips were taken down by YouTube at the request of the Japanese entertainment group.

YouTube's policy has been to remove clips that infringe copyright after it receives complaints.

The current system "is not functioning well due to the [continued] large volume of illegal uploads," said the letter, reported the Associated Press.

'Vulnerable'

YouTube is seen by some analysts as vulnerable to legal claims for distributing content owned by other media.

The Japanese group has written to YouTube asking for a preliminary screening system for video clips and a series of provisional measures, including posting messages in Japanese about "illegal uploads".

The group also wants uploaders - people who post videos online - to have to register their details and face bans if they violate copyright.

YouTube, which is owned by Google, has been negotiating with leading copyright holders and reached agreement with several firns, letting the website post copyrighted music videos and other content in exchange for sharing advertising revenue.

The website has licensing deals with CBS and three major recording companies: Warner Music, Universal Music Group and Sony BMG Music Entertainment.