Reform YouTube's horrible copyright system

The Issue

Running a movie reaction channel that also incorporates drinking games is supposed to be a fun, creative outlet that thrives on the principles of fair use. Our unique approach to crafting transformative content should ideally shield us from unwarranted copyright claims. However, despite playing by the rules and producing content that is both transformative and entertaining, our videos are consistently blocked by studios. This frustrating cycle needs to change.

Fair use is meant to protect creators like us who use existing works to create something new. The US Copyright Office states that fair use involves transforming the original content to serve a new purpose, without infringing on the original work's market. By incorporating drinking games, commentary, and critiques, our content fits squarely within the definition of transformative, yet studios wield the current copyright system to unfairly block our work.

YouTube's copyright system allows automatic recognition and blocking of content through its Content ID system, which is heavily skewed in favor of large media companies. This system fails to account for the nuances of fair use, penalizing smaller creators who bring diversity and innovation to the platform. According to research by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, creators lose millions in revenue each year due to incorrect copyright claims. This biased structure must be reformed to accommodate and protect genuine transformative works.

We propose the following changes to improve YouTube's copyright system:
1. Implement a more rigorous fair use evaluation mechanism before blocking content.
2. Ensure transparency and give creators the opportunity to contest claims effectively.
3. Provide better support and resources for smaller creators navigating copyright issues.
4. Collaborate with experts to revamp Content ID technology to distinguish between legitimate and spurious claims.

By signing this petition, you join a movement advocating for fairer treatment of creators whose livelihoods and creativity are hindered by an outdated system. Let's push for a balanced copyright system where innovation and expression can flourish, and creators feel safe to share their interpretations with the world. We urge YouTube and the relevant stakeholders to take these suggestions seriously and work towards a system that truly respects and upholds the principles of fair use. Please sign this petition to support a fair and transformative future for all content creators.

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The Issue

Running a movie reaction channel that also incorporates drinking games is supposed to be a fun, creative outlet that thrives on the principles of fair use. Our unique approach to crafting transformative content should ideally shield us from unwarranted copyright claims. However, despite playing by the rules and producing content that is both transformative and entertaining, our videos are consistently blocked by studios. This frustrating cycle needs to change.

Fair use is meant to protect creators like us who use existing works to create something new. The US Copyright Office states that fair use involves transforming the original content to serve a new purpose, without infringing on the original work's market. By incorporating drinking games, commentary, and critiques, our content fits squarely within the definition of transformative, yet studios wield the current copyright system to unfairly block our work.

YouTube's copyright system allows automatic recognition and blocking of content through its Content ID system, which is heavily skewed in favor of large media companies. This system fails to account for the nuances of fair use, penalizing smaller creators who bring diversity and innovation to the platform. According to research by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, creators lose millions in revenue each year due to incorrect copyright claims. This biased structure must be reformed to accommodate and protect genuine transformative works.

We propose the following changes to improve YouTube's copyright system:
1. Implement a more rigorous fair use evaluation mechanism before blocking content.
2. Ensure transparency and give creators the opportunity to contest claims effectively.
3. Provide better support and resources for smaller creators navigating copyright issues.
4. Collaborate with experts to revamp Content ID technology to distinguish between legitimate and spurious claims.

By signing this petition, you join a movement advocating for fairer treatment of creators whose livelihoods and creativity are hindered by an outdated system. Let's push for a balanced copyright system where innovation and expression can flourish, and creators feel safe to share their interpretations with the world. We urge YouTube and the relevant stakeholders to take these suggestions seriously and work towards a system that truly respects and upholds the principles of fair use. Please sign this petition to support a fair and transformative future for all content creators.

The Decision Makers

Youtube Board of Directors
Youtube Board of Directors
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Electronic Frontier Foundation

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Petition created on November 13, 2025