The First Time to Amend Unfair Terms of Use
Global information technology (IT) company Google has fixed the terms of use for YouTube following the recommendation of the Korean Fair Trade Commission (FTC).
The FTC said on May 30 that Google has modified all eight clauses in the terms of use for YouTube that were deemed unfair by the commission. The eight modified clauses included the four that Google amended in March. This is the first time in the world that Google has amended its terms of use at the recommendation of competition authorities of a foreign country.
According to the revised YouTube terms, the operator can only delete a user's video if the content is illegal or harmful. The user will be immediately notified of the deletion. This revised term will protect users’ rights by setting a specific criterion related to deletion of video uploaded by users.
In addition, a standard has been established for YouTube to stop or change the video service of its users. YouTube can stop or change a user’s video service only when it needs to improve service performance and security or to prevent illegal activities, and the operator is required to notify users in advance of adverse effects.
In addition, the YouTube operator will be able to utilize users’ videos only for the purpose of operating, promoting and improving the service. This term resolves concerns that the existing terms would infringe upon users' copyrights through wide usage on the basis of abstract criteria called “business-related.”
However, these terms only apply when a user posts videos using a domestic IP. When a user who has a domestic account uploads a video overseas, the global terms of use are applied. Lee Tae-hwi, head of FTC terms and conditions examination, said, "These terms only apply to domestic IP under the territorial principle.”
"The changes in terms will not change the way Google delivers the actual service, but they provide specific examples, allowing users to understand the terms of Google services more easily," a Google representative said.
Meanwhile, the FTC plans to review the terms of use of Netflix, the largest online streaming company. Netflix terms of use include a clause that prevents users from claiming damages. "If there is a problem, we will launch an investigation," Lee said.