MP3 conversion service that was removed from Google search due to copyright protection circumvention request is back after filing an appeal
As part of its efforts to combat copyright infringement, Google removes illegal content from its search results, primarily in response to DMCA takedown requests from rights holders. Following a complaint from music industry groups, Google removed MP3.to, a site that allows users to convert audio files to other formats such as
MP3.to Successfully Challenges Music Industry's 'False' DMCA Circumvention Takedown * TorrentFreak
https://torrentfreak.com/mp3-to-successfully-challenges-music-industrys-false-dmca-circumvention-takedown-241204/
Music companies are actively removing tools that allow users to download MP3 files from streaming services. The use of these tools, known as ' stream ripping ,' is prohibited by the terms of use of streaming services, and Google has received thousands of requests to remove tools and sites related to stream ripping, resulting in the removal of millions of URLs.
In November 2024, Promcasier , a music industry association representing the Spanish recording industry, sent a list of several stream-ripping URLs to Google as a removal request. The URLs listed included services that allowed users to illegally download audio files from streaming services, but also included sites such as MP3.to that did not allow users to download content.
MP3.to is a tool that allows you to upload audio files you already have and convert them to another format. MP3.to does not include a way to access third-party sites or services, and if you convert MP3s at your own risk, which do not have built-in access control such as digital rights management (DRM), you are unlikely to violate the DMCA. However, Google removed MP3.to from its search results, along with other stream ripping sites, following a request from Promcassier.
When a DMCA takedown is carried out, the site owner receives a notice. In addition, the site's URL is not only excluded from search results, but also the related AdSense account is affected, which directly damages the business. Therefore, MP3.to has sent a written order to Google and Promcassie through a law firm, demanding that they retract and correct the error within 10 days, claiming that the takedown notice is defamatory and false.
'Promkassier's notice alleges that MP3.to provides technology or tools that are used to circumvent technological measures that effectively control access to copyrighted works,' the order states. 'This is completely false, and MP3.to categorically denies the allegations of wrongdoing. MP3.to does not circumvent any technological controls implemented to protect copyrighted works.'
After receiving the letter from MP3.to, Google conducted an internal investigation and restored MP3.to's URL and associated AdSense account. A Google spokesperson said, 'Any website affected by the removal can request a reconsideration and then fix the error. Google's DMCA removal process aims to balance protecting freedom of expression on the web while streamlining the process to make it easier for rights holders to report infringing content. We file our notices to provide full transparency and ensure accountability.' Meanwhile, Promkasie, who is believed to have sent the removal request by confusing MP3.to with stream ripping, did not respond to a request for comment from the press at the time of writing.
According to TorrentFreak, a media outlet that covers copyright topics, there are other URLs included in Promkassie's removal request that do not include stream rips that circumvent technical protection measures, in addition to MP3.to. However, at the time of writing, those sites are still removed from Google search results, and TorrentFreak points out that there may be insufficient scrutiny of removals based on DMCA requests.
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in Web Service, Posted by log1e_dh