DMCA Copyright Policy
Last Updated: November 4, 2025
Copyright Respect
webcam.org respects intellectual property rights and expects our users to do the same.
What is the DMCA?
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is a US law that provides a process for copyright holders to request removal of infringing content.
Common scenarios on webcam.org:
- Camera incidentally captures copyrighted music playing outdoors
- Camera view includes TV screen showing copyrighted content
- User uploads a video clip containing copyrighted material
Note: Incidental, unintentional capture in the background of a live stream is often considered fair use, but we will respond to valid DMCA notices.
How to Report Copyright Infringement
Before You File:
- Do you own the copyright or represent the copyright holder?
- Is the content actually infringing (not fair use, public domain, or licensed)?
- Have you tried contacting the camera owner directly?
Your DMCA notice must include:
- Your Signature - Physical or electronic signature
- Identification of Copyrighted Work - Describe what's copyrighted
- Identification of Infringing Material - URL, timestamp, description
- Your Contact Information - Name, address, phone, email
- Good Faith Statement - Belief that use is not authorized
- Accuracy Statement - Under penalty of perjury, information is accurate
Send DMCA notices to:
- Email: dmca@webcam.org (preferred)
- Mail: DMCA Agent, webcam.org [ADDRESS TBD]
Response time: 24-48 hours
DMCA Notice Template
Subject: DMCA Takedown Notice
To: DMCA Agent, webcam.org
I, [YOUR NAME], hereby provide notice under the Digital Millennium
Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. § 512(c)) of copyright infringement on your service.
1. COPYRIGHTED WORK
The copyrighted work at issue is:
[DESCRIBE YOUR COPYRIGHTED WORK]
I am the owner / authorized agent of the copyright.
2. INFRINGING MATERIAL
The infringing material is located at:
URL: [CAMERA URL ON WEBCAM.ORG]
Description: [DESCRIBE WHAT IS INFRINGING]
Timestamp: [DATE/TIME if applicable]
3. CONTACT INFORMATION
Name: [YOUR NAME]
Address: [YOUR ADDRESS]
Phone: [YOUR PHONE]
Email: [YOUR EMAIL]
4. GOOD FAITH STATEMENT
I have a good faith belief that the use of the material in the
manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its
agent, or the law.
5. ACCURACY STATEMENT
The information in this notification is accurate, and under penalty
of perjury, I am authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an
exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.
6. SIGNATURE
[YOUR SIGNATURE]
Date: [DATE]
Our DMCA Process
Step 1: Review (1-2 business days)
- Verify notice meets DMCA requirements
- Assess whether claim appears valid
- May request clarification if incomplete
Step 2: Action (24-48 hours)
If notice is valid:
- Disable access to or remove content
- Notify camera owner of takedown
- Provide camera owner with your DMCA notice
Step 3: Counter-Notice Window (10-14 days)
- Camera owner may file counter-notice
- If no counter-notice, content stays down
- If counter-notice received, we forward it to you
Step 4: Resolution (10-14 days after counter-notice)
- You may file lawsuit to keep content down
- If no lawsuit filed, we may restore content
- If lawsuit filed, content stays down pending court decision
Counter-Notices (For Camera Owners)
If your camera was taken down and you believe it was:
- Mistaken (not actually infringing)
- Fair use (incidental capture, transformative, etc.)
- Public domain or licensed
- Otherwise invalid
You may file a counter-notice.
Your counter-notice must include:
- Your signature
- Description of removed material and its location
- Good faith statement (under penalty of perjury)
- Consent to jurisdiction of Federal District Court
- Your contact information
Send counter-notices to: dmca@webcam.org
Repeat Infringer Policy
Three Strikes:
- First violation: Content removed, warning issued
- Second violation: Content removed, account suspended 30 days
- Third violation: Account terminated permanently
Note: Clear fair use cases and successful counter-notices don't count as strikes.
Fair Use Considerations
Examples that may be fair use:
- Incidental music playing in background of outdoor camera
- Brief snippets of copyrighted content in larger context
- Transformative use (commentary, criticism)
- Non-commercial, informational sharing
Note: Fair use is complex. We cannot make fair use determinations. If you believe your use is fair use, file a counter-notice.
Special Situations
Live Streams:
- Content is constantly changing
- Infringement may be brief and unintentional
- We'll notify camera owner immediately
- Owner can adjust angle or mute audio
Incidental Background Content:
- Music from passing cars
- TV through neighbor's window
- Radio from outdoor speaker
This is often considered de minimis (too minor) or fair use. We assess each claim individually.
False DMCA Notices
Under 17 U.S.C. § 512(f): Anyone who knowingly misrepresents that material is infringing may be liable for damages, including actual damages, attorney's fees, and court costs.
We may pursue legal action against repeat false notices.
Contact Us
- DMCA Questions: dmca@webcam.org
- Legal Department: legal@webcam.org
- General Support: support@webcam.org
Resources
Learn More:
Protect Your Own Work:
We respect copyright. We respect fair use. We respect due process.
Questions about this policy? Contact dmca@webcam.org