With the emerging use of Web 2.0 technologies, specifically addressing user or website visitors uploading media and copyrighted content to websites, corporations are aiming to contain the rampant infringement by users. In attempting to establish guidelines that should be followed and accepted by websites allowing for and encouraging user generated content, the following recommendations have been made.

1. Use of Identification Technology.

This appears to be one of the more predominant themes of the User Generated Content Principles ("UGCP"), and is likewise favored over human review.

2. Clear and precise notices.

Notices should be placed both in the Termsn of Use, as well as at any portion of the website when a user may upload content, warning users against the use or upload of copyright infringing material.

3. Policies and Procedures.

It is imperative that websites utilizing user generated content, to establish clear and coherent policies in regards to how content is treated when it is determined to be copyright infringing, and also that Websites take proactive measures in regards to repeat offenders.

4. Documentation

The UGCP requests that websites retain user data in regards to who uploaded and what they uploaded for a minimum of 60 days from the date of upload.

5. Follow these tips and be lawsuit free.

The UGCP states that if the principles are followed, Copyright Owners should refrain from any legal action under copyright infringement and protection laws in the United States. (I am assuming the United States, no where does it limit their principles to websites in the United States or companies that would be under jurisdiction of the United States.)

It should be noted that Google, Yahoo, AOL, nor any non-us based company were among the participants of this release.