AP's New Unauthorized Use Scheme Includes Implementation of Spyware-Like Tracker

Continuing its hard line approach to use of its content on the web, the Associated Press has announced that it is developing a news registry to protect all AP content from unauthorized use. AP's objective is to require non-AP content subscribers, including search engine provides, who want to  link to and/or quote from AP stories, images and videos to obtain permission. All electronic AP content will include software that sets out the terms of its use and will include a sypware-like tracker that allows AP to monitor that use across the web.

According to PC World's Ian Paul, it is unclear whether AP is expecting payment simply to link to an AP article or quote from the article's headline. Accordingly this post will do neither nor link to the AP graphic illustrating its news registry scheme that accompanies the Company's press release. Take that AP! See Paul's Murky Waters: The AP's New Content Protection Plan for links. See also the New York Time's article A.P. Cracks Down on Unpaid Use of Articles on Web. [JH]