Github restores YouTube-dl, rejects RIAA’s complaint

Github has restored the source code for YouTube-dl, a tool that allowed users to download videos from YouTube.

The code-hosting platform had taken down the source code after receiving a DMCA complaint from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Github said that it did not find any merit in the RIAA complaint. The code-hosted platform cited the letter from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) for the decision.

In its letter, the EFF pointed out that RIAA had misinterpreted the law or YouTube-dl codes. “Importantly, YouTube-dl does not decrypt video streams that are encrypted with commercial DRM technologies, such as Widevine, that are used by subscription videos sites, such as Netflix,” it said in the letter.

It further said that Youtube-dl does not violate Section 1201 of the DMCA because it does not “circumvent” any technical protection measures on YouTube videos.

“Similarly, the signature or rolling cipher mechanism employed by YouTube does not prevent copying of videos,” it added.

Earlier, industry experts had criticised Github for taking down the code. “This isn’t really a DMCA request. I don’t see an assertion that youtube-dl is an infringing work. Rather the claim is that it’s illegal per se,” wrote Public Knowledge Legal Director John Bergmayer in a tweet.

Separately, Github has set up a $1 million defence fund to help developers with legal aid against possible 1201 takedown notices.