YouTube Future 'Threatened' By Digital Economy Bill Proposals

The future of YouTube could be in doubt after the House Of Lords passed proposed changes to the Digital Economy Bill.

The house voted 165 to 140 in support of the Liberal Democrat proposals, which would allow the High Court to issue an injunction against websites accused of hosting copyright-infringing material.

In theory, the amendments could mark the end for YouTube, which has been criticised in the past for hosting unlicensed content.

The proposed changes to the Digital Economy Bill have come under from campaigners who argue that it would inhibit users online freedom.

Jim Killock, executive director of the Open Rights Group, told the Telegraph the plans could leave individuals and small businesses “open to massive 'copyright attacks'”.

But Liberal Democrat peer Lord Clement-Jones said the changes would offer "more proportionate, specific and appropriate" way to control copyright infringement.

Since it was founded in 2005, YouTube has grown into the world's leading video-sharing website, with over 20 million visitors.