full-disclosure - Google FILTERS searches for possible DMCA infringable content!!!

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Message-ID: <001601c38879$b18f3a40$ca02a8c0@winxpnetsniper>
From: khermansen at ht-technology.com (Kristian Hermansen)
Subject: Google FILTERS searches for possible DMCA infringable content!!!

I don't know if you guys noticed this or not, but recently Google has started FILTERING requests for information that may violate the DMCA.  This just started recently, but test it yourself.  Go to Google.com and try searching for "kazaa lite k++", which is the enhanced version of the popular P2P client.  If you notice, the website will not show up in the lists.  In fact, it seems that the site that offered this client is now no longer online.  What's REALLY SAD is that Google admits to the filtering at the bottom of the page and gives an explanation, along with some documentation.  Here's what it says:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=kazaa+lite+k%2B%2B

"In response to a complaint we received under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, we have removed 4 result(s) from this page. If you wish, you may read the DMCA complaint for these removed results."

If you click on the second link, you can read the complaint from Sharman Networks against Google.

http://www.chillingeffects.org/dmca512/notice.cgi?NoticeID=861 (text)
http://www.chillingeffects.org/dmca512/notice.cgi?action=image_410 (PDF)

This is a sad day for us all.  It seems that Sharman Networks weren't happy enough with the profits they made on advertising - a business that is run solely on the attraction that customers can download digital content, which they may or may not own legally.  Now, why would they want to block this program so badly?  My guess...K++'s anonymous enhancements make it much too difficult to track down piracy and since users would benefit from this, it is a danger to their business.  Also, they are probably making even more money on the side by selling information about who is massively sharing MP3/VIDEO to the RIAA and MPAA.  BUT IRONICALLY THEY ARE USING THE F**KING DMCA TO HAVE GOOGLE FILTER SEARCHES!!!  If anything, the DMCA should be used against THEM for making it easy for people to download illegal content.  "Hey you don't have the right to steal what I am currently stealing!!!"  Reminds me of Microsoft stealing from Apple.  This is the most improper use of the DMCA I have ever seen.  What do you guys all think of this?

Kris Hermansen
CEO - H&T Technology Solutions

PS - Since Google won't allow you to find the new K++ homepage, here it is:
http://www.klitesite.com/
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