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[Full-Disclosure] Google FILTERS searches for possible DMCA infringable content!!!



I don't know if you guys noticed this or not, but recently Google has started 
FILTERING requests for information that may violate the DMCA.  This just 
started recently, but test it yourself.  Go to Google.com and try searching for 
"kazaa lite k++", which is the enhanced version of the popular P2P client.  If 
you notice, the website will not show up in the lists.  In fact, it seems that 
the site that offered this client is now no longer online.  What's REALLY SAD 
is that Google admits to the filtering at the bottom of the page and gives an 
explanation, along with some documentation.  Here's what it says:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=kazaa+lite+k%2B%2B

"In response to a complaint we received under the Digital Millennium Copyright 
Act, we have removed 4 result(s) from this page. If you wish, you may read the 
DMCA complaint for these removed results."

If you click on the second link, you can read the complaint from Sharman 
Networks against Google.

http://www.chillingeffects.org/dmca512/notice.cgi?NoticeID=861 (text)
http://www.chillingeffects.org/dmca512/notice.cgi?action=image_410 (PDF)

This is a sad day for us all.  It seems that Sharman Networks weren't happy 
enough with the profits they made on advertising - a business that is run 
solely on the attraction that customers can download digital content, which 
they may or may not own legally.  Now, why would they want to block this 
program so badly?  My guess...K++'s anonymous enhancements make it much too 
difficult to track down piracy and since users would benefit from this, it is a 
danger to their business.  Also, they are probably making even more money on 
the side by selling information about who is massively sharing MP3/VIDEO to the 
RIAA and MPAA.  BUT IRONICALLY THEY ARE USING THE F**KING DMCA TO HAVE GOOGLE 
FILTER SEARCHES!!!  If anything, the DMCA should be used against THEM for 
making it easy for people to download illegal content.  "Hey you don't have the 
right to steal what I am currently stealing!!!"  Reminds me of Microsoft 
stealing from Apple.  This is the most improper use of the DMCA I have ever 
seen.  What do you guys all think of this?

Kris Hermansen
CEO - H&T Technology Solutions

PS - Since Google won't allow you to find the new K++ homepage, here it is:
http://www.klitesite.com/