In February 2017, search engines (such as Google and Bing) and representatives of the creative industries agreed a voluntary code of practice to demote copyright infringing website links from the first page of search results for consumers in the UK. The UK Intellectual Property Office, Ofcom and Department for Media, Culture and Sport assisted the agreement.
The British Phonographic Institute, which represents the UK's recorded music industry and is a signatory to the code, has suggested that the code "will accelerate the demotion of illegal sites following notices from rights holders, and establishes ongoing technical consultation, increased co-operation and information sharing to develop and improve the process".
The code came into force immediately and sets targets for reducing the visibility of infringing content in search results by 1 June 2017. The Minister for Universities, Science Research and Innovation, Jo Johnson, will oversee its implementation.
The code will run in parallel with other existing anti-piracy measures aimed at reducing online infringement, including: (i) court ordered site blocking; (ii) work with brands to reduce advertising on illegal sites; and (iii) the "Get it Right from a Genuine Site" consumer education campaign (which encourages consumers to value the creative process and directs them to legal sources of content).
Click here to access the IPO announcement.
Click here to access the BPI press release.
Key contacts
Disclaimer
The articles published on this website, current at the dates of publication set out above, are for reference purposes only. They do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking any action.