Update: Microsoft has issued a response. Head over here to read the follow-up story explaining why this occurred. Read below for the original story.
Over the last couple of days, I have received two copyright infringement notices from Microsoft regarding videos I have uploaded in the past of their Windows 8 operating system. I’m not the only one receiving these copyright claims either, Scott Hanselman who created the super helpful “How to use Windows 8.1 guide” has also received a copyright claim, ultimately taking his video down… he’s a Microsoft Employee too.
So Microsoft did a copyright takedown on my “How To use Windows 8.1” @youtube video. I kind of work for Microsoft. https://t.co/SDsFAJGbQr
— Scott Hanselman (@shanselman) October 14, 2014
I’ve received two copyright claims, meaning one more copyright claim will result in the termination of my YouTube channel. Both videos are of the Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 operating systems. As a Microsoft enthusiast who is constantly creating videos and tutorials on the Microsoft Windows 8 operating system, this isn’t good news.
The reasoning behind this decision to take down videos of Windows 8 is unknown at this current time. Hopefully this is an error, and that it will get rectified soon. We’ve reached out to Microsoft for a comment and will update this post accordingly. In the meantime, if you’re a fan of our videos here at WinBeta, you will be unable to view them until this problem is resolved as I have locked all our videos. Hopefully that’ll stop the Microsoft infringement hammer from doing anymore unneeded damage.
Update: We have received reports claiming that this is happening to videos focused on Windows 7 and Windows 10 too. It looks like this is a widespread issue. Upon further investigation, it looks like Microsoft has hired a 3rd party company to help claim copyright. Problem is, they’re claiming infringement on videos with “Windows” in the title. The company in question goes by the name of Marketly.com, who are behind all of the copyright claims.
Update 2: Microsoft has issued WinBeta the following statement:
“While we are still investigating the recent YouTube takedown notices, it appears some of these videos were inadvertently targeted for removal because there were stolen product keys embedded in the comments section of the videos. Our intention was not to target legitimate YouTube content and we are sorry for the impact this has had. We have already taken steps to reinstate legitimate video content and are working towards a better solution to targeting stolen IP while respecting legitimate content.”
