Microsoft did request for Google to remove over half a million links from its search index in April this year alone, according to the most recent figures released by the search engine giant. Google’s data showed that most of these links will send folks who click on them over to websites that sell pirated Microsoft software, so it makes plenty of sense for Microsoft to ask Google to kindly ensure such links end up in the relegation bin of history. It is rather interesting to note that a bunch of links that Microsoft requested Google to remove are still very much alive and kicking over at Microsoft’s very own Bing search engine. Talk about having the egg fall on your face moment!
According to Google, “Today we’re expanding the Transparency Report with a new section on copyright. Specifically, we’re disclosing the number of requests we get from copyright owners (and the organizations that represent them) to remove Google Search results because they allegedly link to infringing content. We’re starting with search because we remove more results in response to copyright removal notices than for any other reason. So we’re providing information about who sends us copyright removal notices, how often, on behalf of which copyright owners and for which websites. As policymakers and Internet users around the world consider the pros and cons of different proposals to address the problem of online copyright infringement, we hope this data will contribute to the discussion.”