Extortionists target YouTubers with malicious copyright strike bribes Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Extortionists target YouTubers with malicious copyright strike bribes "Help." News by Vikki Blake Contributor Updated on 19 Feb 2019 27 comments A YouTube channel that made malicious copyright strikes in an attempt to extort content creators has had its channel deleted. According to a report by the BBC, Kenzo and ObbyRaidz - both of whom primarily upload Minecraft videos - allegedly received messages demanding money in exchange for dropping the spurious copyright claims lodged against them. The channel demanded payment of $75 to $400 (£60 to £310) be sent via Paypal or Bitcoin in exchange for not lodging a third copyright claim, which - according to Google's terms and conditions - would've seen the channel completely deleted. hello @TeamYouTube I have two false copyright strikes on my channel & someone out there is extorting me for my money to have the strikes removed. help. pic.twitter.com/pNmzNH34Ff- Kenzo (@KenzoPvP) January 30, 2019 To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings Rather than give in to the demands, Kenzo took to social media saying "I have two false copyright strikes on my channel & someone out there is extorting me for my money to have the strikes removed. help", after which YouTube got in touch and said it would investigate. Later that same day, YouTube tweeted again, confirming that the takedown notice was "(obviously) abusive", removed the copyright strike, and reinstated the video. "This is an example of a fraudulent legal request, which we have zero tolerance for, so we also terminated this channel," YouTube added. Appreciate your patience -we confirmed that this takedown notice was (obviously) abusive. The strike on your channel is resolved and the video is reinstated. This is an example of a fraudulent legal request, which we have zero tolerance for, so we also terminated this channel.- TeamYouTube (@TeamYouTube) January 30, 2019 To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings Google, which owns YouTube, did not respond to a request from the BBC for information on how it hopes to prevent such extortion attempts in the future. "Anybody can [make spurious copyright claims]. They made it so easy to take somebody's channel down - they strike a few videos and your channel is terminated," said ObbyRaidz in a video posted to his YouTube channel. "The way I look at it, YouTube just put a Band-Aid on a much bigger issue. This is something that can affect more channels in the future and they need to fix this right now." Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 61 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 5 Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 11 Latest Articles Digital Foundry Sennheiser's legendary HD 599 open-back headphones are just £70 at Amazon in the Prime Early Access Sale Comfortable with neutral sound and a wide sound stage. Preview Football Manager's new Console edition is the best you'll get without a PC Getting Touch-right. 1 Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 61 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store