14 DAY TRIAL // The Chinese Government is preparing a law to counter the latest rise in online music piracy from companies, websites and users located in China. This could have serious implications on China-based search engines Baidu and Sogou, recognized as the best way to find free (mostly illegal) download links for audio tracks.
According to the official statement issued by the Ministry of Culture, online music is considered to be any type of file in digital format (audio, video or flash files) transmitted online through mobile devices or PCs containing copyrighted audio content. This practically includes songs, albums, videos or concerts from any recording artist, imported or locally owned.
Following this announcement, China's Ministry of Culture has developed an online registration system for online music operators, complete with a system to approve music products in maximum three days. All companies importing online music should apply for clearance through this system until the end of the year.
According to Pali Research, the Chinese state official that gave an interview regarding this new law clearly stated that search engines like Baidu or Sogou can only provide search results with links redirecting to legitimate music companies.
As stated by Mr. Tian Hou from Pali Research, most of Baidu's search results for online music downloads will provide links to illegal download locations in about 80% of the cases. This comes to irritate major music companies that have been struggling since Napster came out to stop illicit sharing of their products.
Even if not officially stated by any official, it's logical that more laws regarding digital piracy are expected in other fields of activity like films, books, mail, etc. For security experts around the world, this could spell good news and the start of the end for Chinese hackers that have thrived in a legal chaos in the past few years. It now remains to be seen if Russia is willing to make similar steps and try to stop illegal activities inside its boundaries.