YouTube to go mobile amid copyright challenge

YouTube, the video-sharing site owned by Google, is planning to expand its services to users of mobile phones.

YouTube users can already upload video clips directly from their mobile phones to view on personal computers but it has not yet been possible to view its video clips on mobile phones.

American regulators cleared Google's $1.65bn (891m, E1.32bn) acquisition of YouTube at the end of last week but troubles remain. Providing free access to video clips is popular with the young but risks huge legal challenges over copyright.

YouTube was recently forced to remove almost 30,000 video clips from its service in response to a demand from the Japan Society for the Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers. More legal challenges are expected in the near future.

The plans by YouTube to enable users to download video clips onto mobiles will only heighten concern within organisations responsible for the protection of copyright.