Skip to main content

Google removing piracy sites from first page of UK search results, auto-complete predictions

Google and other search engines have long been accused of making it easy to access pirated content on the web. In the UK, Google has now voluntarily agreed to measures that will demote these sites from the first page of search results and auto-complete predictions.

The new code was agreed upon by British government, as well as the country’s various media industries. This move also includes Microsoft’s Bing and has been long sought following accusations that the two companies have “turn[ed] a blind eye to piracy and [drag] their feet over measures to protect copyright online.”

Demoted websites include those that have received multiple copyright infringement notices, while terms that suggest pirate websites over legitimate ones are also expected to be removed from search predictions.

These measures are voluntary and will be monitored by the country’s Intellectual Property Office. However, based on the results, there is the possibility of further legislation in the summer that includes fines.

According to the watchdog, 15% of online users in the UK access pirated movies, songs, books, and other content. However, it notes that the approximate 6.7 million number is dropping following the rise of legal digital alternatives.

In a comment to The Telegraph, Google argues that the search engine already takes preventative measures to combat theft online: “Google has been an active partner for many years in the fight against piracy online. We remain committed to tackling this issue and look forward to further partnership with rights holders.”

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Google — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Abner Li Abner Li

Editor-in-chief. Interested in the minutiae of Google and Alphabet. Tips/talk: abner@9to5g.com

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications