Internet Archive forced to remove 500,000 books following publishers' lawsuit

As a result of a successful lawsuit by book publishers last year, the Internet Archive, a free online library dedicated to expanding online access to books, has recently announced the removal of over half a million books from their collection. The Internet Archive acquires physical and paper books and allows them to be checked out and read online by one person at a time (like any library).

Despite using industry-standard technology to prevent the books from being downloaded and redistributed — the same technology employed by corporate publishers — the publishers argue that the Internet Archive should not be permitted to lend the books they own. This legal action has resulted in the removal of more than 500,000 books from the online library.

The Internet Archive is currently appealing the district court’s decision, aiming to restore access to these books for readers. They have also penned an open letter, which supporters can sign on Change.org.