In the wake of Rockstar Games’ official Grand Theft Auto VI trailer release, a wave of takedown notices has swept across YouTube, frustrating content creators and raising serious questions about the abuse of the platform’s copyright system. At the center of the controversy is a user or entity known as @AyeYoNino, who has been falsely claiming ownership of the GTA 6 trailer and targeting videos discussing or reacting to it.
The fraudulent claims appear to be issued through a group or brand calling itself SafeHouse Media Group, with @AyeYoNino as the listed claimant. Despite having no legal or creative ties to Rockstar Games or Take-Two Interactive—the actual rights holders of the GTA franchise—this individual has successfully taken down several videos, including reactions, trailer breakdowns, and commentary pieces.
For many creators, this move has sparked outrage.
“My channel got a copyright strike over a 30-second commentary on the trailer. The claim came from someone with no affiliation to Rockstar,” said one affected YouTuber who preferred to remain anonymous.
This abuse highlights a long-standing vulnerability in YouTube’s copyright enforcement system. While meant to protect creators and companies from piracy, the system can be manipulated by bad actors issuing false claims to silence content or assert control over viral material. In this case, the trailer’s global popularity has made it a high-profile target.
Even more concerning is that @AyeYoNino has reportedly extended these actions beyond YouTube. Some reports suggest that websites hosting the trailer or redirecting to official Rockstar content have also received takedown notices or DMCA threats allegedly filed by the same individual.
Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive have not publicly commented on the situation, but it is clear they are not connected to these claims. In fact, their own uploads of the trailer remain untouched, while community-driven content continues to face suppression.
For creators who have been affected, YouTube’s dispute process remains the only recourse—though it’s often slow and lacks transparency. Some have turned to social media to share their frustration, demanding stricter verification before copyright tools are granted to claimants.
This incident is yet another reminder that YouTube’s copyright system, while important, is still vulnerable to abuse. Without more robust safeguards, creators are left to defend themselves against those who exploit the system for personal gain or notoriety.
If you’re a content creator who has received a strike from @AyeYoNino or SafeHouse Media Group:
- File a dispute immediately through YouTube’s copyright center.
- Document all communication and keep a backup of your video content.
- Spread awareness to prevent others from falling victim to the same scheme.
As the community waits for YouTube or Rockstar to take action, one thing is clear—this isn’t just about one trailer. It’s about the broader risks creators face when bad actors weaponize the very systems meant to protect them.
