Google and Belgian newspapers reach compromise

Google has re-indexed a group of Belgian newspapers owned by the publisher Copiepresse. The re-indexing occurred after Copiepresse decided that Google could include their newspapers in the SERPS as long as cached copies were not linked to. It was the caching of their pages that the newspapers were objecting it made it hard for them to charge users for their archived content.

Google had counter-argued that its use of the content was OK as it benefited both the newspapers and readers alike and that the newspapers could have requested their content be removed from the index.

Despite the apparent compromise Google still plans to appeal the Belgian court ruling last September that forced them to remove the newspaper’s pages from the index.

We’re not sure quite who is at fault here, the newspapers are vehemently defending their property yet surely being removed from the Google index would have impacted greatly on their traffic.

It does seem however as just for once common sense has prevailed and both sides have reached a compromise. But you would think Google would drop the appeal as it all seems a bit nonsensical now, perhaps the legal team at the plex fancy some more waffles and chocolate.

Source: PC World