Google explains why LindaIkeji’s blog was shut down

Linda Ikeji’s blog was yesterday shut down by Google over accusations of plagiarism. Google has now explained why it took the decision against the popular blog.

Speaking to Punch yesterday, Google’s Manager for Communications and Public Affairs, Anglo-Phone West Africa, Taiwo Kolade-Ogunlade, who did not delve into specifics, explained that Google takes the issue of copyright seriously, adding that the company belongs to a group of Internet firms that abides by the provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and other applicable copyright laws.

He told the newspaper: “Google as an organisation takes issues of copyright seriously and belongs to a group of digital companies that respect copyrights.

“Copyright is a big deal and this is why you can’t just go and pick up another person’s intellectual property or content and lay claim to its ownership.

“That is why we have copyright guidance. I don’t know if Linda picked up any content and I don’t know what content is the bone of contention-neither have I looked into the complaints personally.

“But it is not a case of witch-hunting and has nothing to do with Linda Ikeji’s personality or anyone else because there is a process, and irrespective of who you are in the world, that process would apply to you,”

Kolade-Ogunlade also stressed that online entrepreneurs should understand that the Internet community should be built on mutual trust and general respect.

He said: “Let’s respect other people’s rights and intellectual property. Making money off other people’s content without permission is wrong. Although the Internet is inanimate, it is the content on it that gives it life. These are the issues.

“Whenever owners of online contents come after you accusing you of using their content, it is because they have families to feed and businesses to sustain.

“People should also understand that copyrights does not only apply to text, but also extends to literary works, images and photographs, music files and MP3s, movies, movie trailers and videos as well as software,”

Linda Ikeji’s trouble started when some bloggers, including Mr. Aye Dee, her to Google, accusing her of copyright infringement.

But writing on her blog two days ago, Linda said:“The only reason this is happening to me is because I’m number one. So I am flattered. I am currently number 10 on Alexa.com. My blog is more read than all the other news sites in Nigeria, so I understand why I am the target”.