Wow! Google just rejustified its "Do no evil" motto.
On an unrelated note, I'm really surprised that after all the words written on this subject, especially after the MegaUpload fiasco, this is the first article that states that removing not only the infringing links, but the actual files, is plain wrong.
I believe it is within the scope of fair use for me to upload files (copyrighted) to any Upload/Download service (like Hotfile, Rapidshare, Megaupload, Dropbox). It could be simply to keep backups / not have to carry USB disks to remote locations. Only when the file is shared (by sharing its link) could that be considered an infringement, and even in that case, the link might simply be stolen from me, so the burden of proof would still lie with the copyright holders.
They have a significant stake in the DMCA and what its legislation protects. If the DMCA is allowed to erode too easily by MPAA & Co., Google's many businesses may be threatened either directly or indirectly.
Google is looking out for their own well-being (which is perfectly fine), it just so happens their action happens to shield certain other companies at the same time.
Still, this may actually be even more beneficial than "do no evil" (which would only be ascribed to Google's own actions). This is much more akin to "do not let evil occur."
> They have a significant stake in the DMCA and what its legislation protects.
So does dozen of other tech companies. But it's Google who keep showing over and over again defending internet freedom. Where are the others defending Hotfile?
I don't mean to naively imply Google is somehow a benevolent saint that values altruism over capitalism. But assuming the human beings running these companies don't try to push their ideologies whenever they get a chance, is naive as well. There's a strong culture for internet freedom among Google employees, and that is reflected on the company's actions.
But for us, all that matters is that they're doing something good. We should be supportive and do what's in our power so others join them.
Comments
Wow! Google just rejustified its "Do no evil" motto.
On an unrelated note, I'm really surprised that after all the words written on this subject, especially after the MegaUpload fiasco, this is the first article that states that removing not only the infringing links, but the actual files, is plain wrong.
I believe it is within the scope of fair use for me to upload files (copyrighted) to any Upload/Download service (like Hotfile, Rapidshare, Megaupload, Dropbox). It could be simply to keep backups / not have to carry USB disks to remote locations. Only when the file is shared (by sharing its link) could that be considered an infringement, and even in that case, the link might simply be stolen from me, so the burden of proof would still lie with the copyright holders.
They have a significant stake in the DMCA and what its legislation protects. If the DMCA is allowed to erode too easily by MPAA & Co., Google's many businesses may be threatened either directly or indirectly.
Google is looking out for their own well-being (which is perfectly fine), it just so happens their action happens to shield certain other companies at the same time.
Still, this may actually be even more beneficial than "do no evil" (which would only be ascribed to Google's own actions). This is much more akin to "do not let evil occur."
> They have a significant stake in the DMCA and what its legislation protects.
So does dozen of other tech companies. But it's Google who keep showing over and over again defending internet freedom. Where are the others defending Hotfile?
I don't mean to naively imply Google is somehow a benevolent saint that values altruism over capitalism. But assuming the human beings running these companies don't try to push their ideologies whenever they get a chance, is naive as well. There's a strong culture for internet freedom among Google employees, and that is reflected on the company's actions.
But for us, all that matters is that they're doing something good. We should be supportive and do what's in our power so others join them.
Google's motto, BTW, is "Don't be evil", not "Do no evil". The first describes an ethos, the second analyzes a sequence of events.
(Officially, Google's mission statement is "Organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.")