Google is trying to tackle the growing anger over its proposals to add millions of books to its digital library.
It is a move that has caused widespread anger as many, including etail giant Amazon, believe will stifle competition. Others have accused the move saying that it would violate copyright laws.
American authors and publishers along with Google sent a letter to 16 European Union publishers’ representatives promising to consult European publishers before cataloguing some works into its digital library.
It has also agreed to have two non-US representatives on the governing board of the registry that will administer the proposal.
The European Commission will hold meetings today to decide how it wants to respond to the deal.
The Commission is trying to decide whether legislation is required to allow the digitalisation of European culture.
In a statement, Google said: “The parties to the Settlement Agreement have sent a letter to several national publisher associations in Europe to clarify that books that are commercially available in Europe will be treated as commercially available under the Settlement.
“Such books can only be displayed to US users if expressly authorized by rights holders. In addition, in the letter, the plaintiffs commit to ensuring international author and publisher representation on the Board of the Book Rights Registry, as well as full participation by non-U.S. rights holders in Registry advisory committees.
“As we said we listen carefully to all concerns of stakeholders around the globe and work hard to achieve the common goal of bringing back to life millions of lost books in a way that serves the interest of all.”
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