German Court Upholds Ban on YouTube-DL Software Hosting in Major Stream-Ripper Case
A German appellate court has upheld a ruling against the web-hosting provider of YouTube-DL, reinforcing the music industry's ongoing efforts to combat stream-ripping services.
The Hamburg Appeal Court's decision maintains both the original injunction requiring the host to stop providing YouTube-DL and the associated damages order. The ruling, which cannot be appealed, came after legal action from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) and Germany's Bundesverband Musikindustrie (BVMI).
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YouTube-DL, a software tool that enables users to download audio from YouTube videos, has been targeted by the music industry for facilitating unauthorized music downloads. The IFPI emphasized that this ruling sends a clear message to both ripping service operators and online intermediaries about the consequences of enabling illegal activities.
This decision reflects a broader global crackdown on stream-ripping services. Similar legal actions have resulted in ISP blocks of these services in various countries, including India and the UK. The U.S. has also seen successful litigation against platforms like FLVTO.biz.
The music industry's focus has recently expanded to combat fake streaming services, with notable successes including the shutdown of Germany's PimpYourFollower.de. However, the emergence of replacement services like RatingHero24.de highlights the ongoing challenges in preventing digital music piracy.
The Hamburg court's decision represents a significant victory for rightsholders in their continuing efforts to protect licensed music platforms and ensure proper revenue distribution to artists and rightsholders.
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