Question: If a content owner deactivates a reference file, it will:
- Deactivate the reference file for 30 days and suspend matching
- Stop claiming new user-uploaded content that matches the reference file
- Continue matching new user uploads, but change the match policy to track
- Release all prior claims made against the reference file, but continue matching new user uploads
Explanation
A reference is the file used by Content ID to identify matching user-uploaded videos. When a reference is deactivated, matching based on that reference stops for future uploads. Existing claims are not automatically released just because the reference becomes inactive. This action affects new claim generation, not ownership or claim history.
Why the other options are incorrect
30-day suspension is incorrect because deactivation is not defined as a temporary 30-day state.
Track policy is incorrect because deactivation does not keep matching active with a different match policy.
Prior claim release is incorrect because deactivating a reference does not automatically release existing claims.
Source for verification
https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/107004
https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/3011552
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