DMCA Copyright Policy

Last updated: January 2, 2026

Copyright Policy Overview

DownTube respects the intellectual property rights of others and expects users to do the same. This page outlines our policy regarding copyright infringement claims under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act ("DMCA") and similar international laws.

It is our policy to respond to clear notices of alleged copyright infringement that comply with the DMCA and other applicable intellectual property laws.

Important Notice

Please Note: DownTube does not host, store, or control any content. We are a tool that processes URLs submitted by users to access publicly available content from third-party platforms. We do not have the ability to remove content from source platforms. If you wish to have content removed, you must contact the platform hosting the content directly (e.g., YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, etc.).

Our Role and Limitations

To understand how DMCA applies to our service, it's important to understand what we do and don't do:

  • No Content Hosting: We do not host, upload, or store any video or audio content on our servers.
  • URL Processing Only: We only process URLs submitted by users to facilitate downloading of publicly accessible content.
  • Temporary Processing: Content passes through our servers temporarily during the download process and is not retained.
  • No Content Control: We have no control over what content exists on third-party platforms or what users choose to download.
  • Source Platform Responsibility: The content you access through our service originates from and is controlled by third-party platforms.

Filing a DMCA Notice

If you believe that content accessible through our service infringes your copyright, you may submit a DMCA notice. However, please note the following:

Before Filing a Notice:

  • Contact Source Platform First: Since we don't host content, the most effective way to address copyright infringement is to contact the platform hosting the content (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, etc.).
  • Understand Our Limitations: Even if we receive a valid DMCA notice, we cannot remove content from source platforms. We can only take action regarding our service's ability to process specific URLs.
  • Consider Fair Use: Ensure the use is not protected under fair use or other copyright exceptions before filing a notice.

Required Information for DMCA Notice:

If you still wish to file a DMCA notice with us, it must include the following information as required by 17 U.S.C. § 512(c)(3):

  • Identification of the copyrighted work: A description of the copyrighted work that you claim has been infringed, or if multiple works are covered by a single notification, a representative list of such works.
  • Identification of the infringing material: A description of the material that you claim is infringing and that you request to be removed, including the URL or other information that will permit us to locate the material.
  • Your contact information: Your name, address, telephone number, and email address.
  • Statement of good faith belief: A statement that you have a good faith belief that use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.
  • Statement of accuracy: A statement that the information in the notification is accurate, and under penalty of perjury, that you are authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.
  • Physical or electronic signature: A physical or electronic signature of a person authorized to act on behalf of the owner of the copyright interest.

Counter-Notification

If you believe that content you posted was removed or access was disabled by mistake or misidentification, you may file a counter-notification with us.

Required Information for Counter-Notice:

A counter-notification must include the following information as required by 17 U.S.C. § 512(g)(3):

  • Your contact information: Your name, address, and telephone number.
  • Identification of removed material: Identification of the material that has been removed or to which access has been disabled and the location at which the material appeared before it was removed or disabled.
  • Statement under penalty of perjury: A statement under penalty of perjury that you have a good faith belief that the material was removed or disabled as a result of mistake or misidentification.
  • Consent to jurisdiction: A statement that you consent to the jurisdiction of the Federal District Court for the judicial district in which your address is located (or if you are outside the United States, for any judicial district in which we may be found), and that you will accept service of process from the person who provided the original DMCA notification or an agent of such person.
  • Physical or electronic signature: Your physical or electronic signature.

Repeat Infringers

In accordance with the DMCA and other applicable laws, we have adopted a policy of terminating access to our service for users who are repeat infringers. We may also, in appropriate circumstances, terminate access for users who we believe are infringing copyrights, even if they have not been subject to formal DMCA notices.

False Claims Warning

Warning: Under Section 512(f) of the DMCA, any person who knowingly materially misrepresents that material or activity is infringing, or that material or activity was removed or disabled by mistake or misidentification, may be subject to liability for damages.

Do not make false claims. If you are unsure whether the material infringes your copyright, or if it is subject to fair use or other exemptions, you should consult with an attorney before filing a DMCA notice.

How to Submit Notices

DMCA notices and counter-notices should be sent to our designated Copyright Agent through our website contact form or email. Please clearly mark your communication as a "DMCA Notice" or "DMCA Counter-Notice" in the subject line.

Please note that we may forward complete copies of DMCA notices (including your contact information) to the users who posted the allegedly infringing content, and we may publish notices for public inspection.

Processing Time

We aim to review and respond to valid DMCA notices in a timely manner. However, please understand that:

  • Processing may take several business days depending on the volume of notices received
  • Incomplete or invalid notices may be rejected or require additional information
  • Our ability to take action is limited by our technical capabilities and the nature of our service
  • Removal of content from source platforms requires action by those platforms, not by us

Cooperation with Rights Holders

We respect intellectual property rights and are willing to work cooperatively with copyright owners and their authorized representatives. We encourage rights holders to:

  • Contact source platforms directly for the most effective content removal
  • Provide complete and accurate information in any DMCA notices
  • Use DMCA procedures only for good faith copyright claims, not for other disputes or censorship
  • Consider whether fair use or other exceptions may apply before filing notices

Fair Use Consideration

Before filing a DMCA notice, please consider whether the use of copyrighted material may be protected under the doctrine of fair use (or fair dealing in some jurisdictions). Fair use is a legal doctrine that permits limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as:

  • Criticism, comment, news reporting
  • Teaching, scholarship, research
  • Parody or transformative use

The determination of fair use involves a case-by-case analysis. If you are uncertain, we recommend consulting with legal counsel.

Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to modify this DMCA policy at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting. The "Last updated" date at the top indicates when the policy was last modified. Your continued use of our service after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified policy.

Questions

If you have questions about this DMCA policy, please contact us through our website. Please note that we cannot provide legal advice. If you need legal guidance about copyright law, DMCA procedures, or fair use, please consult with a qualified attorney.

Related Policies

For additional information about using our service, please review:

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