Google, Viacom Reach Agreement That Protects Users' Privacy

NEW YORK — In a move that breaks a previous stalemate, Google will hand over extensive YouTube traffic information to Viacom while taking steps to keep user information and activity private.

The agreement between the two tech giants is the latest development in a $1 billion copyright infringement lawsuit that Viacom filed against Google. The suit contends that Google breached copyright laws because so many YouTube users have watched copyrighted content. Viacom owns Paramount and MTV.

A federal judge had originally ordered Google to turn over massive amounts of user information, including usernames and all activity. Google refused to turn over the information, arguing that doing so would compromise user privacy.

Viacom eventually bowed to an online outcry against its request and agreed to let Google replace sensitive information like usernames with anonymous, unique identifying codes.

The key language from the decision, available for download below, is as follows:

"When producing data from the Logging Database pursuant to the Order, Defendants shall substitute values while preserving uniqueness for entries in the following fields: User ID, IP Address and Visitor ID. The parties shall agree as promptly as feasible on a specific protocol to govern this substitution whereby each unique value contained in these fields shall be assigned a correlative unique substituted value, and preexisting interdependencies shall be retained in the version of the data produced. Defendants shall promptly (no later than seven business days after execution of this Stipulation) provide a proposed protocol for this substitution. Defendants agree to reasonably consult with Plaintiffs’ consultant if necessary to reach agreement on the protocol."

One important question in this case remains unanswered, though. Viacom had specifically requested information on the uploading activity of YouTube's employees, hoping to demonstrate that the company had knowingly sponsored copyright infringement. No word has emerged on whether this agreement will protect the uploading activity of YouTube's employees.

View Document

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

XBIZ Miami's Host Hotel Sold Out, General Registration Now Open

Guest rooms at XBIZ Miami’s exclusive conference venue, Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach hotel in South Beach, are now completely sold out.

Adult Industry Educational, Networking Platform 'Imperfectly You' Launches

Imperfectly You, an educational and networking platform for adult industry workers, has officially launched.

Segpay to Launch News Network for High-Risk Merchants

Segpay has announced that it will launch the Segpay News Network (SNN) on April 15.

Age Verification Watch: Patching the Holes

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Pineapple Support to Host Autism Spectrum Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers and creators who are, or suspect they may be, on the autism spectrum.

ImLive Launches Revamped Member Loyalty Program

Cam platform ImLive has revamped its member loyalty program.

GoFundMe Set Up for Danny Ferretti's Medical Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Fangear founder Danny Ferretti, who requires extensive lung surgery.

Byborg Acquires Cuties AI

Byborg Enterprises has acquired adult artificial intelligence startup Cuties AI.

Irish Government Releases Report on Sex Work Decriminalization Legislation

The Irish government has released a report reviewing a 2017 law that decriminalized sex work across the country.

Texas Bill Would Require Age Verification for Online Sex Toy Sales

A new bill in the Texas state legislature would require online retailers to implement age verification of purchasers before selling “obscene devices” to anyone in that state.

Show More