[mayneack]

Does github actually have to honor every request that comes in? I thought the youtubes of the world did that because of the volume, but hypothetically, couldn't they do some due diligence and push back on requests they don't think are valid instead of just taking them down and requiring the repository owner to appeal. I'm sure it would be more expensive for them, but it's still a choice.

[adrianN]

It is my understanding that DMCA requests have to be honored immediately unless the hoster wants to expose themselves to large legal risk. The uploader of the banned content can file a counter request, upon which the copyright holder either withdraws, or things land in court. But if the hoster doesn't honor the request they lose their hosting privilege and can be sued for copyright infringement themselves.