IOC Starts To Delete Unauthorized Video Of Olympics On YouTube

Well, we knew that Olympic organizers were likely to be tough on unauthorized content, especially after issuing regulations around social media prior to the Games. And evidence of that is surfacing today in the shape of deleted videos on YouTube. Search for scenes from the spectacular opening ceremony in London and while you will find excerpts from official broadcasters like the BBC, videos uploaded by ordinary users are being gradually being stamped out.

Viewing one example video here

Returned the phrase:

“James Bond (Daniel Craig) E…”
This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by International Olympic Committee.

This video looks like it might have been ripped from the BBC’s coverage and re-posted, in which case it would fall foul of YouTube’s rules on copyright. We have reached out to YouTube to check whether video uploaded via mobile from the opening ceremony by users on the ground will be terminated as well. Update: Sources say this video was ripped form the BBC’s broadcast so it would be subject to a copyright take-down by the BBC/IOC.

Meanwhile, other platforms for video are flying slightly under the IOC’s radar such as broadcasts from the cycling race today on Swedish startup Bambuser. And you’ll find some content on cheeky old Daily Motion.

But – if you’re in the UK – at least you can see still see the Queen jump out of a helicopter with James Bond, thanks to the BBC. Not in the UK? We apologise. Maybe blame global copyright laws…