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YouTube attempts to shutter MP3 download site

The video-sharing site is suing YouTube MP3, claiming any tool that allows users to download YouTube content is a breach of its terms of service.

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Fernando Alfonso III

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Google’s is threatening legal action against a website that allows users to convert YouTube videos into downloadable MP3 files.

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YouTube MP3 is one of a handful of sites being targeted by Google for violating YouTube’ terms of service, reported TorrentFreak, a blog covering the BitTorrent and file sharing community.

The June 8 letter from YouTube’s Harris Cohen states that any site or services that allows YouTube content to be downloaded, as opposed to it be streamed, is prohibited, TorrentFreak reported.

Cohen gives YouTube MP3 seven days to cease operation or face legal consequences.

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A Google search of the term “YouTube MP3” reveals more than eight sites that perform a similar conversion service. One of these services, called YouTube to MP3 Converter, is featured on CNET where it has been downloaded more than 530,000 times. CNET is a CBS property which has been partners with YouTube since 2006.

YouTube MP3 gets about 230,000 visitors a month, according to Quantcast, a web traffic analysis tool.

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