Launched in 2009, Baidu Wenku is a sharing portal for users to read, share or download files and books for free. Readers can also purchase books from the online library at a much lower cost than the original price. However, the site has also been subjected to a lot of piracy issues.
The AFP reported that more than 40 writers have signed a letter claiming that their works are available for download on Baidu Wenku without their permission. In the letter posted on China Written Works Copyright Society, the authors said. “Baidu has become a totally corrupt thief company […] It stole our works, our rights, our property and has turned Baidu Wenku into a marketplace of stolen goods.”
Despite knowing users are the one who upload these documents on Baidu Wenku, the writers insist that Baidu should shoulder the responsibility.
Baidu spokesman Kaiser Kuo said the search engine “attaches great importance to intellectual property rights protection” and had deleted “tens of thousands of infringing items” uploaded by web users.
“We promised that authors or copyright holders can report problematic content found on Baidu Library to the complaint centre … and we will delete infringing content within 48 hours,” Kuo said in a statement.
A disclaimer on Baidu’s website state that users must take on all liabilities and be responsible for compensation in any copyright disputes. I’m pretty sure Baidu can track these users down but resisted because it could hurt the relationship with loyal users. Last month, Baidu also heard complains from four major Japanese publishers for illegal manga content. The pressure is on Baidu. Should they take action against users to solve the root of the problem?
Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.
Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.
