Videos removed from youtube to protect copright: GMM

The move is a part of a protection measure against online piracy.

Krij Thomas, chief operating officer for the music unit, said yesterday that unauthorised music videos on YouTube had hurt the firm’s revenue from digital music and music video downloading services for many years.

The company also found that some Internet users seize such an opportunity to make profit from the content, which is a breach of copyright restriction.

"This protection measure was started on a trial basis until GMM Grammy and YouTube Thailand can reach a suitable agreement on revenue-sharing and long-term solutions for the copyright problem," said Krij.

However, the company's promo video clips and short music videos will remain unchanged, following this protection measure. Full music videos are available on GMM Grammy’s multimedia website: www.gmember.com

The music and entertainment giant has also been in talks with YouTube (Thailand) to start GMM YouTube, the largest online video network.

If this project is approved, GMM Grammy will gain access to millions of eyeballs in the social media both at home and overseas, just like VEVO.

This also could help the company protect its music against online piracy, he said.

Additionally the company plans to partner two leading global digital music streaming services – Sweden’s Spotify and France’s Deezer.

Founded in 2006 in Sweden, Spotify has its headquarters in the UK with offices in Paris, Oslo, Madrid, Amsterdam and New York. It counts more than 10 million registered users worldwide.

Last year, Deezer integrated its Web-based service with the Facebook platform to allow users to discover music though their Facebook friends. Next year, Spotify will reportedly come to Thailand, where smart device penetration is growing, while Deezer might follow later.