Google's updated policies are intended to better educate users. | Reuters Photo | REUTERS Google unveils 'copyright school'

Google released a set of tougher copyright policies for YouTube online video users on Thursday, requiring violators to watch a copyright tutorial and pass a test before allowing them to continue using the service.

The search giant has faced mounting criticism from lawmakers and the entertainment industry for not doing enough to combat online copyright infringement.


Google’s updated policies are intended to better educate users about the online video platform’s copyright rules and heighten awareness about protecting copyrights.

In the past, YouTube has posted warnings to users specifying that the use of copyrighted materials — such as movies, music or other copyright works — could lead to termination of their account and possibly monetary damages if the copyright holder decides to sue.

The new updates unveiled Thursday allow users to watch a new tutorial video about YouTube’s copyright policies and access a redesigned copyright help center.

In addition, Google instituted new policies for users who are found to have violated YouTube’s copyright rules.

If YouTube receives a copyright notification about a user’s video, the user will have to complete “YouTube Copyright School,” which requires watching a tutorial video and passing a quiz to prove the user understands the copyright policies.

Additionally, Google has also created a way for errant YouTube users to redeem themselves. In certain cases, Google will remove copyright strikes from a user’s account if he or she successfully completes its copyright school and has a solid track record of following the rules.

Google’s general policy is to suspend YouTube users who have three copyright strikes.

"We want to help our users operate within the law and within our guidelines. Requiring that people complete copyright school after receiving a copyright notification means they'll understand why their actions were wrong, come away with a better understanding of the law and be more likely to comply with YouTube's guidelines in future," a YouTube representative said in a statement to POLITICO.

Just last week, lawmakers hammered Google for failing to clamp down on websites that illegally offer copyrighted material and knockoff goods. The search engine is dragging its feet in helping tackle the problem, members of the House intellectual property subcommittee said at the hearing.

This article first appeared on POLITICO Pro at 8:59 a.m. on April 14, 2011.