Google to target piracy
‘We are definitely committed to [offering copyright protection technologies],’ said Google chief executive Eric Schmidt. ‘It is one of the company’s highest priorities.’
News of the initiative emerged as a deal between Google and CBS that would let YouTube users watch clips from the broadcaster’s shows appeared to have foundered.
The two companies had been near agreement but were at odds on how long the deal should run, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Google has been in the sights of anti-piracy campaigners since buying YouTube last year. While YouTube has long been under attack for allowing copyrighted material on the site, the appearance on the scene of Google, with its deep pockets, has led to intensified attacks.
Attempting to head off criticism, Schmidt said that the new technology ‘is going to roll out very soon…It is not far away’.
It is understood the technology Google has developed will help media companies identify pirated videos uploaded by users.
Other stories:
Vodafone’s Google tie-up
Google pulls in 3,400 an hour
Sky broadband gets Google on board
Google expands European headquarters
Google moves on YouTube rights