YouTube does not allow content to be uploaded by anyone other than the copyright holder, and frequently removes uploaded videos that infringe on copyrights. Generally, YouTube only discovers these videos when they are reported by the YouTube community, or when the copyright holder reports them. The primary way in which YouTube identifies the content of a video, as they themselves are unwilling or unable to screen every clip uploaded, is through the search terms that uploaders associate with clips. In this way, likely illegal clips can be located.

Some users have taken to creating code words as search terms to be entered when uploading specific type of files. For instance the Internet Wrestling Community uses the term "cheese souffle" as a search term to indicate an upload of a WWE video. By doing this they hope to circumvent YouTube locating illegal files and removing them. While YouTube has cut down on the WWE-trademarked clips, more continue to be uploaded each day.

The file format used by YouTube is Flash Video, or *.flv, and can be viewed on its own by using one of many FLV viewing programs available. The FLV video file can be downloaded in a number of ways. Some pull the .DAT file from their TEMP folder and convert it to a different format of video using video converting programs. Others use client-based solutions like bookmarklets and Greasemonkey scripts to download the video files or resort to server-based services such as Javimoya or Keepvid. Once the file is downloaded, it can easily be converted into an MPEG or AVI using a conversion program, such as Riva FLV encoder.

Commitment To Data Security

YouTube uses commercially reasonable physical, managerial, and technical safeguards to preserve the integrity and security of your personal information. We cannot, however, ensure or warrant the security of any information you transmit to YouTube and you do so at your own risk. Once we receive your transmission of information, YouTube makes commercially reasonable efforts to ensure the security of our systems. However, please note that this is not a guarantee that such information may not be accessed, disclosed, altered, or destroyed by breach of any of our physical, technical, or managerial safeguards.

If YouTube learns of a security systems breach, then we may attempt to notify you electronically so that you can take appropriate protective steps. YouTube may post a notice on the YouTube Sites if a security breach occurs. Depending on where you live, you may have a legal right to receive notice of a security breach in writing. To receive a free written notice of a security breach (or to withdraw your consent from receiving electronic notice) you should notify us using this contact form.

Commitment To Childrens' Privacy

Protecting the privacy of young children is especially important. For that reason, YouTube does not knowingly collect or maintain personally identifiable information or non-personally-identifiable information on the YouTube Sites from persons under 13 years of age, and no part of our website is directed to persons under 13. If you are under 13 years of age, then please do not use or access the YouTube Sites at any time or in any manner. If YouTube learns that personally identifiable information of persons under 13 years of age has been collected on the YouTube Sites without verified parental consent, then YouTube will take the appropriate steps to delete this information.

Special Note to International Users

The YouTube Sites are hosted in the United States and are intended for and directed to Users in the United States. If you are a User accessing the YouTube Sites from the European Union, Asia, or any other region with laws or regulations governing personal data collection, use, and disclosure, that differ from United States laws, please be advised that through your continued use of the YouTube Sites, which are governed by U.S. law, this Privacy Notice, and our Terms of Use, you are transferring your personal information to the United States and you consent to that transfer.

In the Event of Merger, Sale, or Bankruptcy

In the event that YouTube is acquired by or merged with a third party entity, we reserve the right, in any of these circumstances, to transfer or assign the information we have collected from our Users as part of such merger, acquisition, sale, or other change of control. In the unlikely event of our bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, or assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the application of laws or equitable principles affecting creditors' rights generally, we may not be able to control how your personal information is treated, transferred, or used.