EFF launches ‘Takedown Hall of Shame’

In an effort to “call attention to particularly bogus takedowns — and showcase the amazing online videos and other creative works that someone doesn’t want you to see,” the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) recently launched the Takedown Hall of Shame. EFF collected some of the most egregious incidents of internet bullying (via DMCA takedown notices) many of which fall clearly within fair use. According to an EFF press release,

Many of the bogus takedowns come from misuse of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Under the DMCA, claimants can demand that material be removed immediately without providing any proof of infringement. Service providers, fearful of monetary damages and legal hassles, often comply with these requests without double-checking them, despite the cost to free speech and individual rights.

Of note are an attempt by Ralph Lauren to remove a disastrous  Photoshop ad and Universal Music Publishing Group’s (UMPG) attempt to remove a YouTube video of a baby dancing to snippet of a Prince song.

More here.