Technology Android TV 'Downloader app' missing from Play Store returns; DMCA is broken

[Ink]

Content source

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2023/06/google-un-bans-downloader-app-but-developer-still-mad-about-broken-dmca/

Google has reversed the suspension of an Android TV app that was hit with a copyright complaint simply because it is able to load a pirate website that can also be loaded in any standard web browser. The Downloader app, which combines a web browser with a file manager, is back in the Google Play Store after nearly a three-week absence.

As we previously reported, Google suspended the app based on a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) complaint from several Israeli TV companies that said the app "allows users to view the infamous copyright infringing website known as SDAROT." But that same website could be viewed on any standard browser, including Google's own Chrome app.

"The app was removed on May 19th due to the DMCA takedown request," developer Elias Saba wrote in a blog post today. "Instead of recognizing the absurdity of the claim that a web browser is somehow liable for all the unauthorized use of copyrighted content on the Internet, Google took a backseat and denied my appeal to have the app reinstated."

The free app has been downloaded over 5 million times on Google Play and is available on the Amazon app store for devices such as Fire TVs.

 

[vtqhtr413]

App developer Elias Saba has had some bad luck with Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedowns. His Android TV app Downloader, which combines a web browser with a file manager, was suspended by Google Play in May after several Israeli TV companies complained that the app could be used to load a pirate website.

Google reversed that suspension after three weeks. But Downloader has been suspended by Google Play again, and this time the reason is even harder to understand. Based on a vague DMCA notice, it appears that Downloader was suspended simply because it can load the Warner Bros. website.

Google Play keeps banning the same web browser due to vague DMCA notices

Downloader app suspended by DMCA notice that didn't list any copyrighted works.

arstechnica.com

 

[Shadowra]

I use Downloader to download APPs that are not listed on traditional stores.
But it was often hijacked to download illegal apps like illegal TV apps or others....