Comments on: Source: Protective order will keep Viacom out of sensitive YouTube user data

A thick blanket of legal stipulations aims to keep YouTube's IP addresses, usernames, and activity safe from third parties--and Viacom won't have direct access to it.

[tppcnet]

Watch that data mysteriously be captured by "hackers" and end up in the hands of RIAA and MPAA.

If that were to happen, RIAA and MPAA would be allowed to use it as evidence against individuals from what I understand.

[Vegaman_Dan]

And what happens if the information accidentally 'leaks' out to some other group- like the RIAA? Sure, sue Viacom for the leak, but the damage is done and the RIAA or whomever gets the info is free to do whatever they want. No sir, this is a bad idea all around.

[ralfthedog]

Time to make a list of Viacom Tv shows, make a list of companies that advertise on those shows, then write a letter to Viacom and the advertisers informing them that I will no longer purchase those products.

[umbrae]

This is why companies like Google SHOULD NOT COLLECT ANY INFORMATION! Users should have to opt in to have any information saved. It is not in my interest for them to keep information on what I viewed. Thank GOD I do not have a profile so all they have is my IP address.

[Lerianis]

Actually, this could go both ways for Viacom. They could prove that there is lots of piracy on Youtube, while the judge says that it is SO MUCH PIRACY that the law in question they are suing with is null and void because the will of the people appears to be that 'piracy' is okay.

[mattumanu]

It has just occured to me that this federal judge has just involved me personally in this legal action. If my Username, IP address and viewing history has just become part of this legal proceeding, then I demand representation in the legal proceeding itself. If the Judge in this case refuses to hear my plea, then I will move on to the federal appeals court, where I will show that the judge has, by default, involved me in this case and I am not being allowed due process. Under the Video Privacy Protection Act of 1988, the judge in this case is barred from including my personal data in this "discovery". If it becomes available to Viacom, an injunction should then be filed against Viacom barring them from even viewing the data in question.

Don't think that it can't be done.

[gapfree]

This sounds like a bad idea in my opinion. The reason for the word privacy means just that, to keep private. I don't want just anyone to know my personal information. To me the lawsuit is silly. Thats just me.

[magicmaster]

I deleted all of my accounts associated with Youtube due to my disbelief in cooperation's morals. If the promise was broken, how would they manage to compensate? Petition FBI to change your identity? Nonsense!

[smokified]

Are you stupid or just paranoid. Youtube had to be sued in order for them to have to pass on your information. They did not do this willingly. They spent probably upwards of millions of dollars defending your information.

It is amazing how clueles some people can be. How can you comment on a corperations morals when you clearly have no idea what is going on?

[smokified]

That is complete BS. Our legal system is just as ****** as the rest of the government. When are we going to start working towards personal responsibility? Is it Google's fault that people choose to abuse the privledge to post videos online? No. is it my fault that people post videos that are pirated? nope.

I do not give permission for the courts, or google or God himself to pass on my information to anybody unless I sign a waiver personally.

******* stupid old crusty government and their control freak tactics are starting to really **** me off.

[private-internet]

The issue is not about privacy - YouTube is a public service. If you are violating the law in public - you should face the consequences. Freedom of speech is not about freedom from the consequence of the speech.

[galacticgufus]

so what are you saying? that it doesn't matter that our personal information is being handed over? if you believe that, why don't you just go ahead and post all of your personal information here.

i'm glad that i avoid any viacom 'content at all times, whether over tv or youtube. therefore if viacom ends up with the information i'll make google look better.