Google, Microsoft agree to IP infringement code of conduct. No more Pirate Bay links on page one.
Both Microsoft and Google have agreed to a new code of conduct drafted by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), which will see allegedly infringing links dropped from the first page of search results. Google and Microsoft have signed up to a landmark voluntary agreement with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) which will see allegedly-infringing content dropped from the first page of their respective search engines‘ results.
Announced by Minster of State Jo Johnson this week, the voluntary code of practice includes the signatures of Google, Microsoft’s Bing search subsidiary, the British Phonographic Institute (BPI) and the Motion Picture Association. As part of the Alliance for IP, a fistful of other organisations are also part of the agreement, including the Brtiish Brands Group, the Premier League, and games group Ukie (formerly the Association for UK Interactive Entertainment, and the European Leisure Software Producers Association prior to that).
The code of practice, which is voluntarily agreed upon by all parties and therefore not subject to the usual process of bills and laws, requires that signatory search engines agree to reduce the visibility of allegedly infringing content – including links to services providing said content, such as infamous Bittorrent tracker The Pirate Bay – on their platforms.
