The search word ‘sex’ yields more than 1 million video clips in results on Google Video in this screen capture.

Google Video shows millions of clips searched through all over the web from overseas services such as MySpace.com, plus major domestic video-sharing sites, including Daum TV Pot, Pandora TV, Mgoon and Mncast, as well as its own YouTube.

But a serious problem is arising from lack of control over the content of uploaded videos.

Google's negligence has caused concerns about copyright violation. For example, Type in "Prison Break,” the popular American TV drama, and set the parameters to "more than 20 minutes," and as many as 2,480 43-minute clips show up.

Even if users type in the title in Korean, Google Video “smart” searches both local and overseas websites. Those looking for illegal videos can find them easily.

A similar video search service is also provided by domestic web portals Naver, Daum and Empas, who filter search results in various ways. In the case of Naver, monitoring personnel review search results. But Google is determined not to impose such restrictions on its search function, remaining faithful to the concept of freedom of information.

Google does operate a protection system for minors called "SafeSearch," a function that automatically filters pornographic search results unless users pass the adult authentication process. But while Google uses an automated system, domestic web portals are filtering search results using more labor-intensive human monitoring.

Lois Kim, head of communications at Google Korea, asked if illegal videos are available said, "It's true,” but added, “The responsibility rests with each individual site that owns these illegal videos. It's Google's judgment that we're not responsible, because we're just searching information."

(englishnews@chosun.com )