Grooveshark argues that we should wait for the real judge, jury, and executioner, especially given the presence of multiple court battles and lawsuits on this very issue. Which is ironic, because Google often argues the exact same thing, while typically declining to play copyright cop.
Which brings us to this: the term “Grooveshark” has now been added to Google’s list of scrubbed piracy terms, according to information confirmed by the search giant to Digital Music News on Thursday.
So far, this just affects search autocomplete, not main results, which sounds more like an appeasement to pissed-off labels than something with teeth. “Our algorithms prevent terms closely associated with piracy from popping in Autocomplete,” a Google executive told Digital Music News. “Note this doesn’t affect search results, only Autocomplete — we’re not removing anything from search results or blocking searches for certain terms.”
Exactly when this started is unclear, though Torrentfreak (which first noticed the block) thinks this started several months ago. We’re waiting for Grooveshark CEO Sam Tarantino to respond.
All of which means that, for now, Google won’t assist users searching for free music on Grooveshark. Sort of like another word ‘closely associated with piracy’…
Most other word and phrases are autocompleted based on search volumes and expected next letters.
But, blacklist? The question is whether this is more symbolic than real. Because lift one more finger and type one more letter, and a myriad of Grooveshark possibilities appear.
Let’s see if Google decides to rough Grooveshark up a bit more. Back in 2011, Google yanked Grooveshark’s app from its Android Marketplace. That, coupled with Apple’s refusal to include the iOS app, has severely crippled Grooveshark against label-supported services like Spotify and YouTube.
Grooveshark remains in heavy litigation against all three major labels (and, for that matter, locked in a related subpoena battle with Digital Music News.)
More as it develops.
Turning off autocomplete is pointless. People just have to type out the full name now instead of being lazy.
A small step on the road.
But a step.
Yea, a step to the side. Not getting anyone anywhere.
You may be right.
Google and other companies that make money from copyright infringement launched new initiatives Thursday in their war against music, art and literature:
https://torrentfreak.com/tough-copyright-laws-chill-innovation-tech-companies-warn-lawmakers-130727/
Artists who wish to boycot companies that are hostile to music and art can start here:
http://www.ccianet.org/index.asp?bid=11
The list is probably not complete as a number of well known anti-music companies such as the Pirate Bay seems to be missing.
But many wil be surprised to see that Nvidia is on the list!
I’m sure a lot of people, including graphic artists and guys from the movie industry, will find this fact extremely disappointing.
All CCIA’s members are active in the Anti-Art War.
Paul, I hope you’re enjoying Groovesharks slow collpase. Their legal threats to DMN last year revealed that they were paranoid egotistical bullys. I have no sympathy for them.
Bad Google. This is incorrect behavior. Searches should properly autocomplete for what everyone is really searching for: Yves Villeneuve.
Google loves piracy. If you don’t believe it, just open up a free AdSense account and have a look at their suggested websites for music and other related terms. You are welcom.
Instead of opening up an AdSense account could you just tell us what the “suggested websites for music and other related terms” actually are?
The suggested websites are too many to copy/paste in a post here. Out of respect to DMN admins’ time, it would be much better to just spend 5 minutes of your time to see the suggestions with your own eyes. If you can’t be bothered to test for yourself, then you probably don’t care about facts, anyway!
I have no idea why google changes its policies so soon and without any reason it can do anything with any site. London Minicabs