Music & UGC Policy

User-Generated Content (UGC) — Your Responsibility

DotZ is a platform for user-created video content. Every piece of content you upload — including any audio, music, voice recordings, or sound effects — is your sole responsibility. By uploading content, you confirm that:

• You created the content yourself, or
• You hold explicit rights, a valid license, or proper authorization to use all elements of the content (including audio), or
• The content is in the public domain or covered by a recognized open license (e.g., Creative Commons)

DotZ is not responsible for copyright infringement committed by users. Users who upload infringing content bear full legal liability for any resulting claims or damages.

Audio in Videos — Permitted Use

Audio (including music) is permitted on DotZ only when it is embedded within a video and plays as part of that video. This is consistent with how short-form video platforms handle audio under existing licensing frameworks.

• Original music or audio you created or own
• Licensed music you have explicit permission to use
• Royalty-free or Creative Commons audio used within its license terms
• Audio playing as ambient sound captured incidentally during recording

Prohibited Audio Uses

The following uses of audio are strictly prohibited on DotZ:

• Uploading videos where copyrighted music is the primary or sole focus of the content without a valid license
• Enabling or facilitating audio-only or independent music playback detached from video (this constitutes distribution without a streaming license)
• Building or operating an unauthorized music library or music discovery service through DotZ content
• Uploading content designed to circumvent copyright detection systems (e.g., pitch-shifted or sped-up music)
• Distributing music to others through DotZ in a way that replaces or competes with licensed streaming platforms

Audio Metadata & Detection

DotZ may use third-party audio recognition services (such as AudD) to identify music in uploaded videos. When a song is recognized, its metadata (title, artist, album art) may be displayed for informational purposes.

Important: The display of song metadata does not grant any license to use, distribute, or profit from that music. It is purely informational and does not imply DotZ has licensed the music for your use.

If your video contains copyrighted music detected by our systems, DotZ may:

• Mute the audio track of the video
• Block the video from being published in certain regions
• Remove the video and notify you of the reason
• Forward a report to the rights holder upon their request

DMCA & Copyright Takedowns

DotZ responds promptly to valid copyright takedown notices submitted by music rights holders, labels, publishers, or their authorized agents. Upon receiving a valid notice, DotZ will:

• Remove or mute the infringing content within 10 business days
• Notify the uploader of the takedown action and the policy cited
• Provide the uploader with information on how to submit a counter-notification if they believe the takedown was wrongful

To submit a copyright takedown notice for music or other audio content:

📧 [email protected] — Subject: "Copyright Takedown: Music"

Include the copyrighted work details, the infringing content URL, your contact information, and a statement of good-faith belief and accuracy.

Enforcement Actions

Violations of this policy may result in the following enforcement actions, escalating with repeated offenses:

• First offense: Content removal with a warning and educational notice
• Second offense: Content removal and a 7-day posting restriction
• Third offense: Temporary account suspension (up to 30 days)
• Repeated or severe violations: Permanent account termination and potential legal referral

DotZ reserves the right to skip preliminary steps for egregious infringement (e.g., uploading entire albums or full-length copyrighted films).

Legal Liability & Indemnification

DotZ is a platform that hosts user-generated content and is not responsible for copyright infringement committed by its users. In accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000 (India) and the DMCA safe harbor provisions, DotZ's liability is limited where it acts as an intermediary in good faith.

By uploading content containing third-party audio, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless DotZ, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your content or your violation of this policy.

Future Music Licensing

DotZ is actively exploring music licensing agreements with rights holders and performing rights organizations. Once formal licensing arrangements are in place, features such as a licensed music library or "Use This Audio" functionality may become available to all creators.

Until such licensing is obtained, all users must comply with this policy.

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