Google concedes to European publishers in book project

Google has embarked on a project to digitize books, especially ones that are no longer in stores. By doing so, Google wants to make the access to written content more democratic.

Last year, Google struck a deal with American publishers and writers’ associations that allows Google to make digital copies of books that are no longer available commercially and distribute them on the web. Authors would receive up to 63 per cent of online revenue that Google generates with digital books. Libraries in the US are fearful that the service will become a must-have that is priced beyond their ability.

In Europe, such a deal has not been made yet. Viviane Reding, Commissioner for the Information Society and Media urged Google to respect the copyright on European books. Reding is positive about the potential of digitising books. "It goes without saying that digitisation of copyrighted works must fully respect copyright rules and fairly reward authors, who could be the biggest winners from better access to a Europe-wide online audience.”

Reding stressed the need for a coherent regulatory framework on this subject. Also, the European copyright system will be reviewed to see whether it still strikes the right balance between rewarding creativity and optimal access to content in a digital age. “If the EU succeeds, we could lay the foundation for a new generation of cultural growth in Europe," said Reding.

At the moment, only about one per cent of European books have been digitised. ?

Google promised yesterday not to scan European books as long as they are still on the European market.