One Point of Contrast between Baidu and Google
April 5, 2011
We are tired of writing about Google. Here’s a news item about Baidu, the big dog in Chinese Web search. There is a Google footnote, but that’s at the end of this post.
We read “Baidu Apologizes to Writers in Copyright Dispute.” If the story is spot on, more than 40 writers complained that Baidu was violating copyright by providing works as free downloads through their online library. Launched in 2009, the site allows users to share files. The snippet we noted was:
“All documents are uploaded by Internet users and as of November Baidu Wenku had stockpiled more than 10 million files and books, accounting for 70 percent of China’s online file-sharing market, according to the company’s figures.”
Along with making an apology to authors and publishers, the company agreed to delete the content in question.
Baidu has been criticized in the past for similar infractions in it’s MP3 search service. In fact, last month it landed on the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s list of top marketplaces for pirated and counterfeit goods.
Given the company’s history, we have reason to doubt the sincerity of their contrition. But Google prefers to take an approach closer to that of ancient Sparta. China is at fault: Gmail hacks, tax allegations, etc. What does Baidu know that Google does not? Maybe nothing. Maybe a lot.
Cynthia Murrell, April 5, 2011
Freebie
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