Google Lifts Ban on Downloader App

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. From a report: The Downloader app, which combines a web browser with a file manager, is back in the Google Play Store after an absence of nearly three weeks. 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. In addition to the rejected appeal, Saba filed a DMCA counter notification with Google. That "started a 10-business-day countdown for the [TV companies'] law firm to file legal actions against me," Saba wrote today. "Due to the app being removed on a Friday and the Memorial Day holiday, 10 business days had elapsed with no word from the law firm on June 6th and I contacted Google to have the app reinstated."

commentsubject

[Anonymous Coward]

> DMCA

Stopped here. These letters mean you'll be reading about some made-up nonsense that corpos bought from congress 20 years ago.

But go ahead, check the rest, maybe I was wrong this time.

Re:

[michelcolman]

I bet that DMCA complaint did wonders for the SDAROT website visitor count, though.

YouTube for me, but not for thee

[DaveBarr]

without a shred of irony, given YouTube's lawsuit with youtube-dl. Google "won't protect content from pirates" but we will protect ourselves from the same.

Re:

[Luckyo]

Downloader is a glorified mini-browser with a download function, that is mostly missing from browsers on androidTV.

It has nothing to do with piracy. There are actual, genuine piracy-related apps. This isn't one of them.

Re:

[afxgrin]

Easiest way to install Steam Link on FireTV.

Does sideloading work on Android TV

[Malay2bowman]

Assuming here that it's just straight Android OS with a custom skin, apps, and drivers for the TV hardware.

Re:

[thewolfkin]

my understanding is sideloading *does work* but you need a way to get the APK on to the device.. which is what this app was for. I'm pretty sure i have the app in question on my Firestick. I could use it to download an alternative YouTube app which I keep reminding myself I need to do but that's "the whole issue".