The legality of web scraping depends on several factors. While the act of web scraping is not inherently illegal, it becomes unlawful when it involves extracting non-public data or violating terms of service.
Web scraping, while a valuable tool, can present legal challenges. This section explores some key cases that highlight the complexities involved.
One such case is PropertyGuru Pte Ltd v 99 Pte Ltd (2018) from Singapore. PropertyGuru sued 99.co for copyright infringement, alleging that 99.co used an app to scrape and repost real estate listings with watermarked photos. However, the court ruled that PropertyGuru’s copyright claim was not valid. The case clarifies the limitations of copyright protection for user-uploaded content, especially when alterations like watermarks are minor.
In the US, the case of LinkedIn vs. hiQ Labs presents another perspective. hiQ Labs was initially banned from scraping public data on LinkedIn profiles. However, the court ultimately ruled in favor of hiQ Labs, stating that scraping publicly available information is not illegal. This case emphasizes the right to access publicly available data online.
Another US example is Craigslist vs. Padmapper and others. While specific details are not provided, this case highlights the broader legal landscape surrounding web scraping. It suggests that the legality of scraping can depend on various factors, making it crucial to navigate these complexities carefully.
These cases serve as a reminder that web scraping carries potential legal risks. When considering scraping data, it's essential to ensure you are adhering to legal and ethical standards.
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