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Google working with Visa, Mastercard, PayPal to cut off funding for alleged piracy sites

Published Feb 19th, 2013 11:59PM EST
Google Anti-Piracy Plan

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Google (GOOG) has decided to take the next step in its anti-piracy efforts by working with Visa, Mastercard and PayPal to cut off funding for websites accused of making money off of pirated content, the Telegraph reports. According to the Telegraph, Google is “considering the radical measure so that it can get rid of the root cause instead of having to change its own search results” and would like to “block funding to websites that do not respond to legal challenges.” However, the Telegraph also reports that Google is wary of embracing such a strategy because it “may have unintended consequences, for instance companies using it to stamp out” competitors by accusing them of piracy to cut off their funds.

Brad Reed
Brad Reed Staff Writer

Brad Reed has written about technology for over eight years at BGR.com and Network World. Prior to that, he wrote freelance stories for political publications such as AlterNet and the American Prospect. He has a Master's Degree in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University.