Issa, Leahy applaud Google anti-piracy efforts
October 21, 2014
By Colin Mann
US Congressman Darrell Issa – author of the Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade (OPEN) Act – has reacted positively to Google’s recent report which explains how it combats piracy across its services,
“In an unprecedented step, Google has introduced new search engine capabilities to make sure that legal content is readily available to consumers and illegal, pirated content is further demoted in users’ results,” he said. “This announcement represents a milestone in the private sector, as cooperation between technology companies and content creators help ensure that intellectual property is protected. Users will now be able to readily identify and access legal content like music and movies while avoiding pirated works from rogue sites in China and Russia,” he noted.
“As the author of the Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade (OPEN) Act, I am strongly encouraged by this voluntary private sector initiative to discourage piracy and look forward to the continued cooperation of all parties to protect intellectual content,” he concluded.
He was joined in his support by Senator Patrick Leahy, Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, who said that he welcomed Google’s announcement that it will improve its efforts to address the problem of rogue websites that are dedicated to profiting from stolen works. “The Internet has made possible large-scale distribution of music, films, books, and products in a way that was previously unimaginable—yet certain websites, usually based overseas, continue to cheat the system by illegally trading in pirated and counterfeit goods. These websites, which have long been too easy to find, steal from creators, mislead consumers, and undermine the many lawful, innovative services that are flourishing online. All businesses in the Internet ecosystem have an important role to play in minimising illegal activity. I have met with Google on several occasions to encourage them to be more responsive to the role search engines play in directing consumers to these rogue websites. I commend Google for recognising that responsibility and announcing that it will take these promising steps. I will be tracking the results once they are implemented,” he stated.