A $1 billion lawsuit against YouTube is threatening people’s exchange of information on the internet, Google Inc. said. The claim was made as a reaction to Viacom Inc., who says YouTube was responsible for “an explosion of copyright infringement.” And YouTube owes them the money for illegally showing material from MTV, Comedy Central and other networks.

Although YouTube got famous for letting people upload any content they wanted, it is true they are working hard to eliminate illegal content these days. Google said their YouTube “goes far beyond its legal obligations in assisting content owners to protect their works.” And Viacom wants to hold carriers and providers responsible for what people share, which “threatens the way hundreds of millions of people legitimately exchange information, news, entertainment and political and artistic expression.” It seems like Google wants to turn this into a net neutrality debate.

It’s never bad to have some healthy competition. MGM, Lionsgate and Viacom are getting ready to launch a premium channel to compete with HBO and Showtime. Currently planned to go live in autumn 2009, the channel will feature newly produced series, as well as movies like the upcoming ‘Iron Man.’

Since some say HBO has lost its edge, it might be a good thing and get them some focus. Or has the time come for somebody else to take over?