MySpace Pilots Filtering Solution, Targets Universal Music Content

MySpace is now readying a filtering solution, one that will initially target Universal Music Group and NBC Universal content. The solution will tap into a technology offered by Audible Magic, Inc., and actively filter new and existing content from copyright holders. "MySpace is dedicated to ensuring that content owners, whether large or small, can both promote and protect their content in our community," MySpace co-founder Chris DeWolfe said. "For MySpace, video filtering is about protecting artists and the work they create." In a typical user experience, an attempt to upload a Universal clip would be blocked, and a message issued to the attempting user.

The selection of Universal Music Group for the pilot is no accident. In mid-September of last year, Universal Music chief Doug Morris spearheaded legal action against the destination, alleging widespread infringement. Soon thereafter, MySpace unveiled an audio filtering initiative involving Gracenote, just one piece in a larger compliance solution. Whether that alters the results of the ongoing lawsuit remains unclear, though users are mostly disinterested in the background sparring. Whether the compromised experience cools user energy remains unclear, though MySpace is operating with a sizable lead in the social networking landscaping. More details on the filtering initiative are expected this week.