Seems like the ultimate irony, doesn't it? A site that was created to let people post whatever they want is now starting to look at DRM measures.

It's not hard to see why: companies that invest in creating content are not too thrilled with the idea that the material almost automatically becomes public property. Remember, iTunes is very excited about selling TV shows while YouTube built a small fortune giving them away.

Now YouTube is considering offering DRM controls to companies with which it has distribution deals. But what about the others? Don't their copyrights count?

www.pcpro.co.uk/news/105118/google-reser...r-partners-only.html

Speaking personally, I know of at least two videos with lyrics of mine up there. It's nice that people watch them. As far as I know, the record companies haven't complained yet. But with YouTube, we're back to the fundamental discussion about copyright control: choice. We currently can't choose if the material is shown or not. It just appears.

It will be interesting to see how this issue is resolved, but I can't help thinking that Google were well aware of this situation when they bought YouTube.