Bethesdsa.net anti-mod theft system.

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Hey guys, although Bethesda is now taking action against console mod theft, that doesn't mean that mod thieves will stop uploading stolen mods to the Bethesda.net without permission. To help discourage, and combat (no name calling, agression, etc.) illegal mod theft, I've got an idea for a system that can help stolen mods get removed before you see them on the Bethesda.net database. The inspiration comes from Youtube's Content ID, a system that helps copyright owners detect and remove illegal videos from the site, that contain content owned by them that has been uploaded without their express permission, or a license. The system is main composed of a database where copyright holders can upload various bits of their content, which can include audio recordings, clips from TV shows or movies, etc. Videos uploaded to Youtube are scanned against material stored in the database. If a match is found, a notification is generated and delivered to the author of the video with the stolen content. The original author of the content reviews the Content ID claim, where they can either decide to have the Youtube team remove the offending video, keep it up, or make money off of it.

 

Bethesda.net could have a similar system in place to help deter mod theft. Here's the basic overview: One day, you decide to upload a mod to Bethesda.net. Once you click the upload button, it doesn't mean that your mod instantly appears on the main page, ready for download. First, before people can download and comment on your file, it first must undergo a mandatory approval process, where the mod's content is scanned thoroughly, file by file against a database of samples of content, uploaded by mod authors, which can include 3D models, textures, ESP and ESM plugin files, plus sound effects and music. If the system finds a match, the file is submitted for review by a moderator, who will closely examine the content to search for stolen content. If they find content that has been stolen without permission from the author, the file is rejected from the site. The file is approved if sufficient evidence is found that permission was granted to the uploader from the author to use their assets or reupload them, or if they state that their work is open-source and can be freely uploaded. The moderators also will check for credits on the mod's description thanking the author, if they state that they must be credited if you use parts of their work in your mods. If none of those are found, you are not allowed to upload that mod to the database. If you attempt to bypass or manipulate the system, you may be penalized, or banned from the site. Your file does not need to be reviewed if there are no matches found (your own work.) It can help detect mod thieves who claim other's work as their own as the approval process helps prove them wrong. Once the process has completed, the uploader receives a message from a moderator explaining if their file was approved or rejected. If the file was rejected, then the reason will explained why the mod was rejected.

 

Please note that this is not intended to be unfair, or to insult modders, it is intended to help deter mod theft, and encourage people to be considerate to others, and ask for permission from the author to use their content in their mods, plus credit them regardless if the mod is open-source. If they refuse permission, then don't upload it.

 

Two posts removed not following the rule regarding bumping threads, do not bump the thread in the future please.

 

Micalov.