Google apologises to Chinese writers over book flap

Hartmann also appeared on Chinese state-run television today 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 apologise 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.