Is Google Ruining Youtube?

Had to figure this was coming. Gotta wonder if this'll be worth $1.65 billion after all the restraints they'll inevitably put on it.

Anti-piracy monitors could hurt YouTube
By ALEX VEIGA

...While YouTube is known as the place to find almost any kind of video clip, recent agreements with high-profile content creators require YouTube to deploy an audio-signature technology that can spot a low-quality copy of a licensed music video or other content. YouTube would have to substitute an approved version of the clip or take the material down automatically. Analysts said that stepped-up monitoring by entertainment companies raises the likelihood that YouTube fans won't find what they're used to getting - and will go searching for the next online video rebel.

...YouTube, based in San Mateo, Calif., has licensing deals with CBS Corp. and three major recording companies - Warner Music Group, Vivendi's Universal Music Group and Sony BMG Music Entertainment. The companies will get a cut of YouTube ad revenue each time someone views a video licensed by them...