Baidu shuts down digital marketplace

Baidu says that it will shutter the marketplace, which launched on Thursday, just two days after it opened. The service allows users to upload electronic files such as music, movies and documents onto Baidu’s cloud servers for sale.

Dr Who appears to be very popular on Baidu's cloud service

The company had stated that it had no obligation to monitor the files for infringement, though it would take action upon notification of infringement. Nevertheless, Baidu will shut down the site due to concerns about copyright issues.

Though Baidu will be shutting down the marketplace, its cloud storage service continues to have prominent sharing features. The front page highlights various users and files made available; many of these appear to lead to links to popular but likely infringing video files.

Internet-related copyright issues have received considerable attention in China and an important issue in the recent draft revisions to the copyright law. The draft revision to the law released last year looked to further clarify issues surrounding network provider liability as well as increased damages for infringement.