Euro Pubs: If We Close Our Eyes, Google Can't See Us, Right?
Several print publisher groups have announced plans to test an online content management system that would control what search engines index on their sites. They're hoping the system, which they're calling an "Automated Content Access Protocol," will help them avoid conflicts with companies like Google. The publishers include the WAN (World Association of Newspapers), the EPC (European Publishers Council) the IPA (International Publishers Association) and the ENPA (European Newspapers Association). If this sounds like an expensive reinvention of the robots.txt file or a souped-up meta tag, you're not wrong. They're attempting to force search engines to accomodate their rules, and in doing so hope to take control of their destiny online. Danny Sullivan, writing about the recent Belgium newspaper lawsuit, goes in depth on why systems like this are problematic. The most expedient solution, Danny says, is for a court to grant legal authority to existing blocking mechanisms. Here's hoping that happens, but don't hold your breath. |
Comments (2)
I think it is great for everyone, if the likes of Google can publish this kind of material. Without search engine indexing, I would never visit any of these News or Content sites and they are complaining about free visitors??? If they want to restrict access to the referenced material, surely they can make content "Members Only" and I won't bother them again.
Posted by Sebastian Meer | September 23, 2006 7:14 PM
See this site yet? Its seems to sum it up....
Posted by Deees Guys | October 6, 2006 11:23 AM