Sound Cloud

I have just read on Techdirt that apparently Sound Cloud has a content filter installed on it blocking people from uploading infringing works. I was unaware of this when I wrote about the site recently. This makes some difference to their potential liability for copyright infringement depending on whether the filter is effective or not. I wonder if there have been DMCA take down notices since the filter was first installed or whether it does the job. As Techdirt points out filters are unable to detect fair use or fair dealing and the likely outcome is that much more content is blocked than needs to be. It is such a shame that these types of tactics are necessary in the digital age when much creativity depends on building on the works of others. I guess the site however is far more likely to be around in the long run which is good news.

Further Reading
TechDirt, How Copyright Filters Present A Serious Challenge To DJ Culture (21 March 2011) < http://www.techdirt.com/blog.php?d=21&m=3&y=2011> at 25 March 2011

TechDirt, Permission Culture And The Automated Diminishment Of Fair Use (27 December 2010) < http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20101227/09520712421/permission-culture-automated-diminishment-fair-use.shtml > at 25 March 2011