Microsoft Shuts Down Its YouTube Killer

YouTube killer is an overstatement for Microsoft's Soapbox on MSN Video, as Microsoft's viral video hotspot has not as yet even managed to exit the testing phase. However, Microsoft is committed to perfect the video service to the last detail and tailor fit it to the anti-piracy laws it has adhered. In this regard, the Redmond Company has shut off users from Soapbox while laboring to fine tune the service in accordance with copyright laws.

"Dear Soapbox users, thanks for helping us test the Soapbox on MSN Video beta - we've really appreciated the feedback we've gotten from our user community about the service. In order to grow and implement some important new features , Soapbox temporarily requires you to login using your Windows Live ID before you can watch or upload videos. If you don't have a Soapbox account, we'll be opening the doors again very soon with some cool new stuff to try. Thanks for your patience as we continue to build the best place to "make your statement" on the web, the Soapbox on MSN Video Team," is the message that greets Soapbox visitors.

While YouTube has grown to a $1.5 billion phenomenon in just a single year and then passed under the Google umbrella, thriving on copyrighted content, Microsoft is going all clean with Soapbox from the get go. The Redmond Company's viral video service will only be accessible to existing beta participants for the next couple of months while Microsoft will labor to build safeguards against pirated content.

Copyright Filtering will be added to Soapbox, courtesy of licensed digital-fingerprinting technology from Audible Magic. In the upcoming 30 to 60 days, Microsoft will implement and test proactive copyright filtering and Soapbox will return to being a private beta.