RIAA unhappy with Google stance on music app

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) claims that Google is refusing to pull MP3 Music Download Pro (free, Android Market). The app is the fifth most popular free app on the Android Market and offers the ability to “search and download free music & lyrics.” According to RIAA, the app is being used to promote the illegal distribution of copyrighted music.

"We sent a takedown notice to Google in August for this particular app, which is clearly being used for illegal purposes, and Google responded that they were declining to remove it from the Android Market," a RIAA spokeswoman said.

"We continue to have concerns with Google's screening and takedown procedures and hope that they will be improved."

Although Google acknowledges receiving the takedown request, they company has not yet removed the app from the Android Market. Industry sources claim that Google has chosen not to remove the app as it can be used legitimately. However, Google has previously published, and then removed similar apps.

"Google has taken down some mobile apps that facilitate infringement," said said RIAA’s general counsel, Steven Marks. "But the takedown times are long, and too often we see the same or substantially similar apps from the same developers re-appear a few days later.”

“Google could also take a more proactive role by screening and evaluating apps before they are made available. Most importantly, too many apps created to harvest links to unauthorized files remain available and popular on the Android marketplace, resulting in widespread infringement of copyrighted works."

RIAA has not indicated whether it intends to pursue further action with Google, but has said that continues to remain “in talks” with Google over the issue. [via PC Mag]

By Electronista Staff

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industry, Google, RIAA, Android, Android Market