Google copyright cull sees rejected sites drop 98% in rankings

Search behemoth Google’s attempt to rid search of copyrighted material has seen infringing sites slide down the rankings, according to data from Searchmetrics.

Some sites selected for rejection suffered a 98% drop in SEO visibility for their crimes, as Google persists with its clampdown efforts.

Sites facing the biggest losses have been those which feature links to or directly host illegal music, TV and movies.

Searchmetrics published a “top 30 loser” list, naming and shaming those who fell the most from grace.

Movie4k.to was part of the 98% drop gang, with thepiratebay.se experiencing a 48% fall in its SEO visibility.

The crackdown means infringing sites will largely be invisible to US Google users, as key words pertaining to illegal links will be hidden amid political pressure.

ISBA’s director of media and advertsing Bob Whooton said although the move signals a “step in the right direction”, it also leaves a “bitter aftertaste”.