STREAMING MEDIA EXPERT WITNESS REPORTS AND TESTIMONY COULD PLAY A PIVOTAL ROLE IN REMAKING MUSIC, VIDEO & GAME TECHNOLOGY

Law firms engage testifying streaming media expert witness reports providers for research and testimony quite often as is. But as music, video and game streaming becomes even more ubiquitous in the coming years? Attorneys tell us that streaming media expert witnesses will have a growing influence in providing specialized knowledge to law firms about this complex and evolving technology. Even more so as firms like Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Tidal, Disney+, Hulu, Apple TV, HBO Max,  PlayStation Now, GeForce Now, Peacock, Twitch, Paramount+ and others come under growing scrutiny.

A core area where top pros could be called to testify is in copyright infringement cases involving illegal uploading or downloading of movies, TV shows, sports broadcasts, and other video content. The streaming media expert witness can analyze the chain of custody for the infringing content and provide opinions on whether proper licensing protocols were followed. Consultants may also compare streaming platforms’ digital rights management controls and assess whether a defendant circumvented them.

Of course, top consultants are also likely to appear in cases involving the failure to make video content accessible to people with disabilities. The advisor can evaluate if captions, audio descriptions, and other accessibility features met legal standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act or other regulations. Pros would also suggest corrections and costs to improve accessibility.

Defamation, privacy, and unauthorized use claims related to content posted on online services may also require streaming media expert witnesses testimony. Consultants can trace the origins of the content and provide forensic analysis of any alterations while assessing culpability. That could apply to both amateur and professionally produced streaming content.

As streaming music, movie and video game platforms turn to advanced artificial intelligence to customize content and target advertising, algorithmic transparency concerns may spur lawsuits. Top pros would likely be asked to analyze these AIs and identify any embedded biases or harms. An streaming media expert witness for research and corresponding testimony could shed light on complex algorithms that may not have been rigorously audited and could negatively profile users.

Mind you, as new technologies like virtual reality and the metaverse evolve further, lawsuits may arise over unwanted content, privacy violations by these immersive platforms, accessibility issues, and harm to vulnerable groups like children. Top streaming media expert witness advisors perhaps shall be crucial for explaining such emerging technologies to courts and how regulations may need to adapt accordingly.