Youtube launches video ID system

Allows video owners to block use on site - or make money from it

Google-owned Youtube has launched a beta of an video ID system to help content owners identify their work on the site.

The organisation has come under attack for allowing users to access copyright material. The company says the new tool "goes way beyond our legal obligations" .

The new tool will allow people to choose whether their material can be made available on the site, which will also off the possibility of gaining revenues from it.

Youtube said in a statement: "We have worked with Google to develop one-of-a-kind technology that can recognise videos based on a variety of factors... Our video identification is brand-new, cutting-edge stuff, so we will be constantly refining and improving it. Early tests with content companies have shown very promising results."

But it warns: "No technology can tell legal from infringing material without the co-operation of the content owners themselves. This means that copyright holders who want to use and help us refine our video ID system will be providing the necessary information to help us recognise their work. We aim to make that process as convenient as possible."