YouTube · Google
YouTube channel terminated? VLOP duties apply.
Channel termination, strikes, demonetization. YouTube is a VLOP under DSA Art. 33 — strictest obligations apply. For urgency we file interim injunctions at LG.
Google Ireland Ltd. (Dublin) · EU – DSA-VLOP nach Art. 33
Typical YouTube suspensions
- Channel termination over 'repeated violations' — no specific videos cited
- Three Community Guidelines strikes within 90 days
- Demonetization — AdSense account decoupled from channel
- Copyright strike via Content ID (often false positive)
- Shadow-demonetization — ads run but no payout
- Channel reach massively reduced after algorithm change
- Verification loss (checkmark removed)
- Linked AdSense account suspended — payouts blocked
Legal levers
YouTube is a VLOP under the DSA. Plus: established German OLG case law on channel reinstatement.
DSA Art. 17
Statement of Reasons
Statement of Reasons must cite concrete videos, ToS clause and automation indicator. Vague 'repeated violations' references are inadmissible — we use the DSA Transparency Database as evidence.
OLG Dresden 4 W 577/18
Channel reinstatement
OLG Dresden ruled in 2018: YouTube must give concrete reasons for channel deletion. Without reasoning, claim for reinstatement. This line is followed by LG Frankfurt, LG Cologne and OLG Frankfurt.
GDPR Art. 22
Automated strike decisions
Content ID and automatic strikes without human oversight are unlawful per ECJ C-634/21 — when the decision significantly affects (= AdSense channels regularly).
DSA Art. 21
Appeals Centre Europe
The Appeals Centre Europe (Dublin) is certified for YouTube disputes. Out-of-court resolution with strong factual binding.
§ 280 BGB
Damages for creators
For mid-tier channels (50k–500k subs): AdSense payouts typically €1,000–€10,000/month plus sponsoring. We calculate the 12-month earnings loss as value at stake.
DSA Art. 33–37
VLOP duties
Risk assessment, independent audits, researcher access. Violations up to 6 % of annual turnover — at Google a billion-euro pressure lever.
How we proceed
- 01
Evidence & DSA Transparency DB
Statement of Reasons from DSA Transparency Database, channel statistics, sponsor contracts. AdSense history as earnings proof.
- 02
DSA Art. 20 complaint + Appeals Centre
Internal complaint under DSA Art. 20 + parallel Appeals Centre Europe. Two-track pressure works.
- 03
Interim injunction for urgency
If running sponsor contracts or massive reach loss threaten: interim injunction at LG with motion for provisional reinstatement.
- 04
Main proceedings + damages
Action for reinstatement + damages for earnings loss. Values typically 5- to 6-figure for mid-tier channels.