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March 22, 2010
Germany wants EU to fight Google Books project
Published: 2 Jun 09 14:04 CET
Online: http://www.thelocal.de/sci-tech/20090602-19649.html
German politicians are encouraging the EU to take strong action against internet search engine Google’s online library project, financial daily Handelsblatt reported on Tuesday.
- Merkel pledges eurozone stability to Greece - Politics (22 Mar 10)
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Google Books is a massive undertaking to scan the entire collections of major libraries. Parts of these books are available to view, meanwhile uncopyrighted works can also be downloaded.
But critics in the publishing industry worry that scanning books without authors’ permission is a violation of copyright laws. A dispute between the internet giant and US authors and publishers is currently underway in a New York court.
Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told Handelsblatt the project is a violation of copyright laws.
“Google’s procedure is unacceptable,” he said. “First scanning, then asking – that doesn’t work. I agree with our justice minister. We’re thinking about how we as a government can support German authors in American courts.”
Steinmeier also acknowledged Google’s substantial economic interest in the project.
“Through digitalising millions of books without right holders’ permission, Google has already gained a competetive advantage against similar projects like Europeana and www.libreka.de – who unlike Google respect European copyright laws,” he told the paper.
“That can’t be, and I expect the European Commission to handle it quickly.”
DDP/The Local (news@thelocal.de)
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