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Digital Top Stories
Google’s copyright pledges: the industry responds
By CMU Editorial | Published on Friday 3 December 2010
The boss of UK record label trade body the BPI, Geoff Taylor, told CMU: “It is encouraging that Google is beginning to respond to our calls to act more responsibly with regard to illegal content. However this package of measures, while welcome, still ignores the heart of the problem – that Google search overwhelmingly directs consumers looking for music and other digital entertainment to illegal sites. We call on Google to work actively with us to implement a technical solution that points music fans to sites that reward artists and everyone involved in creating music”.
The boss of music industry wide lobbying group UK Music, Feargal Sharkey, told CMU: “It is in everyone’s long term interest that the world’s biggest search engine directs music fans towards licensed digital services that pay our artists, entrepreneurs and investors. Today’s announcement from Google is an encouraging first step. We look forward to working with them to bring the very best of British music to the best music fans in the world”.
The Recording Industry Association Of America told Billboard: “We certainly have a deep interest in these issues. Our initial take? These are encouraging and positive first steps towards a more sensible online experience for both users and the music community. Google deserves credit for proposing a constructive set of reforms and undertaking useful steps to better protect the rights of creators and encourage legal ways to enjoy music. While there is much more work to be done, this announcement is an important acknowledgement that everyone involved in the online ecosystem has a shared responsibility to constructively address the online piracy problem that is devastating the creative industries. Obviously, the details of implementation will be critical, and we look forward to working with Google on all the steps necessary to effectively combat infringement”.
Frances Moore of globally focused record label trade body the IFPI told reporters: “Google’s announcement is a very positive step in helping tackle the huge problem of online piracy in order to grow the legitimate music business. Google and other intermediaries have a pivotal role in creating an online environment where the rights of artists and creators are respected and effectively enforced. We look forward to seeing the concrete actions that will result from this welcome announcement”.
And what about Ed, the boy Vaizey, over there in Tory land? The government’s communications minister told reporters: “I welcome these fresh measures to tackle online copyright infringement. They recognise the importance of consumers finding legitimate content. Infringement of copyright is not just a problem for creative industries, it harms the development of new and innovative ways for people to access content legitimately. That is why I recently held a roundtable to start a dialogue with internet service providers, internet intermediaries such as Google and Yahoo and content providers. The group will meet again in the New Year to continue this dialogue. Industry needs to work together to make a difference and deliver a win for themselves and the consumer”.
