Google apologizes to Chinese writers over book flap

BEIJING: Internet giant Google has issued a public apology to Chinese writers and admitted that it scanned books under Chinese copyright for its Google Books digital library project.

A copy of the January 9 statement by the Asia-Pacific head of Google Books, Erik Hartmann, was posted on the website of the Chinese Writers Association, one of the groups leading accusations against Google.

Hartmann also appeared on Chinese state-run television on Sunday acknowledging the practice of scanning books had angered Chinese writers.

"Through the discussions and communications of recent months, it is our understanding that our communications with Chinese writers have not been good enough," Hartmann's written statement said.

"Google is willing to apologize to Chinese authors." According to the China Written Works Copyright Society, tens of thousands of books by hundreds of Chinese authors have been added to Google Books, the US giant's project to digitize books and post them online.

The project has also raised objections from authors and publishers in the United States, France, Germany and elsewhere.

The China Written Works Copyright Society is in talks with Google to try to resolve outstanding copyright issues and agree terms for compensation, but Chinese writers have so far refused Google's offers.