Websites Making Waves Abroad

The New York Post reports that Youtube plans to launch an unlimited movie subscription service in Europe. Given Netflix's 20 million members and Amazon's recently started service, the Google website would face less competition overseas. After a European launch, Youtube would reportedly offer the service in the United States. The website is willing to spend $100 million on content and is in discussions with Hollywood Studios. The venture's major obstacles are piracy concerns and Viacom currently trying to appeal a court ruling that favored Google in a copyright infringement case.

On Thursday, several Hollywood studios, including Viacom's Paramount Pictures, lost an appeal in a piracy lawsuit. According to Bloomberg, the Federal Court of Australia upheld a Feb. 4 ruling that favored internet provider iiNet Ltd, saying that the corporation was not liable for its customers' conduct, even if they are illegally downloading copyrighted content. This was a precedent-setting case for all Australian internet providers, but does not prevent future lawsuits. Overseas legal battles may foreshadow upcoming American rulings and legislation. Just last Wednesday the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee met to discuss anti-piracy legislation.