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In the first six months of 2021, YouTube processed four million automated content identification claims every day, but sometimes human involvement is the only way to address copyright disputes. To this end, YouTube is now looking for a copyright operations specialist who will be required to handle 'escalated' takedown requests, including those from 'sensitive entities'.
Those who want to know how many DMCA notices have been sent to Google in recent years need look no further than the copyright section of its extensive and constantly updated Transparency Report.
This colossal database contains information on more than five billion DMCA takedown requests, including who submitted them, when, and to which platforms they were directed. When combined with the Lumens Database There are ample opportunities to research the copyright takedown landscape, but there is one important omission.
At no time has Google published the detailed takedown requests it receives for YouTube. The platform provided some general information late last year, revealing that the vast majority of breaches (722 million in the first six months of 2021) were handled through the automated fingerprinting system, Content ID.
Dealing with most complaints in this way gives YouTube efficiency, but there are times when algorithms get it wrong or complex problems, like determining "fair use" cases, require human input. To this end, Google/YouTube is now looking to boost its already huge team.
Copyright Operations Specialist
In a job listing published a few days ago, Google is looking for someone to become a copyright operations specialist at YouTube. This specialist position naturally requires a person with a specific skill set.
Ideally, YouTube is looking for someone with experience in sql and run a quality control program, but the successful candidate is also likely to have a solid understanding of relevant copyright law.
This will enable them to analyze and cite precedents on copyright capacity, handle complex issues related to United States and international safe harbor compliance, and deal with exceptions to copyright law, such as fair use.
Handling "high risk" internal escalations
โAs a copyright operations specialist, you will manage high-risk internal escalations and design and implement strategies to improve our copyright compliance program,โ the listing reads.
โYou will solve legal challenges, scale and streamline complex workflows, provide excellent customer support, educate internal stakeholders, and improve the YouTube copyright experience for our users.โ
The parameters of a 'high-risk internal escalation' aren't defined in the job listing, but it wouldn't be a stretch to imagine that some copyright complaints may carry more risk depending on who submitted them, what content they cover, and whether to deal with arguments. complex and politically sensitive fair use, for example.
In either case, the selected candidate will need to strike a balancing act between the obvious legal and regulatory requirements, the needs of YouTube users, as well as those of YouTube's partners and advertisers.
Dealing with 'sensitive entities'
Who or what is covered by the term "sensitive entities" is not detailed in the list, but it seems reasonable to conclude that interactions with them could be subject to "high risk" escalation.
In theory at least, every copyright complaint should be as important as any other, but in a world where many copyrights are held by enormously powerful corporations, it wouldn't be surprising to see a prioritization of resources depending on the possible consequences.
Perhaps with this in mind, the list notes that the successful candidate will also be tasked with handling "enforcement action appeals from sensitive entities," but YouTube is also keeping an eye out for potential copyright abuse.
In addition to 'escalated' takedown requests, it appears that DMCA counter notifications can also be 'escalated', something that brings much-needed checks and balances to the desk of the incoming copyright operations specialist.
Those interested in the California-based position can find the list here. A similar position is also available in Singapore, working in the office or remotely.
