Film Companies Demand Google Perform Takedowns in Secret
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Google has long provided the service of blocking search results in pursuance to website takedown requests.
This is normally done on the basis of the DMCA and causes a message to appear at the top of a search stating that a request has been made to block some links from being shown. Just the same, by clicking one link in the message, it is possible to read the complaint that led to the takedown and effectively peruse all the url’s involved.
Fox and Universal Studios recently tendered a request to Google in the hopes that they would stop these notices from showing up entirely. They have alleged that the current method adopted by Google unintentionally highlights the infringing url’s rather than hiding them. “Torrent Freak” editor Ernesto Van Der Sar cites that it would only take one skilled coder to compile all the appearing url’s and create the largest piracy-based search engine on the planet.
All Google needs to do in order to remedy this matter is remove the link to the complaints. It is currently unknown whether Google will comply with this request or not. It has also received like requests from Lionsgate Studios and Microsoft.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Matthew Galea Debono
Matthew joined CSB Advocates as a trainee associate in July 2012 and was conferred his Doctor of Laws from the University of Malta in November 2012, following the submission and successful defence of his doctoral thesis on ‘The Legal Protection of Video Games’. This was the first thesis in the history of the University of Malta to treat specifically upon the Digital Gaming Industry. Matthew was awarded his warrant as a legal practitioner in February 2013 and is currently reading for an LL.M. in “Computer and Communications Law” at Queen Mary University of London. This will further hone his skills in the ever growing area of ICT law. A self-declared “Netizen”, Matthew is an avid follower of the creative and cutting edge industry of technology, closely following the growth, development and evolution of this industry. He is constantly seeking innovative ways to facilitate the interests of such industries and cater to their legal and business needs accordingly.
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Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
Fox and Universal Studios recently tendered a request to Google in the hopes that they would stop these notices from showing up entirely. They have alleged that the current method adopted by Google unintentionally highlights the infringing url’s rather than hiding them. “Torrent Freak” editor Ernesto Van Der Sar cites that it would only take one skilled coder to compile all the appearing url’s and create the largest piracy-based search engine on the planet.
All Google needs to do in order to remedy this matter is remove the link to the complaints. It is currently unknown whether Google will comply with this request or not. It has also received like requests from Lionsgate Studios and Microsoft.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Matthew Galea Debono
Matthew joined CSB Advocates as a trainee associate in July 2012 and was conferred his Doctor of Laws from the University of Malta in November 2012, following the submission and successful defence of his doctoral thesis on ‘The Legal Protection of Video Games’. This was the first thesis in the history of the University of Malta to treat specifically upon the Digital Gaming Industry. Matthew was awarded his warrant as a legal practitioner in February 2013 and is currently reading for an LL.M. in “Computer and Communications Law” at Queen Mary University of London. This will further hone his skills in the ever growing area of ICT law. A self-declared “Netizen”, Matthew is an avid follower of the creative and cutting edge industry of technology, closely following the growth, development and evolution of this industry. He is constantly seeking innovative ways to facilitate the interests of such industries and cater to their legal and business needs accordingly.
Copyright CSB Advocates
More information about CSB Advocates
View all articles published by CSB Advocates
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
