⚠️ Dataset Laundering ⚠️

#4
by stellaathena - opened

This appears to be a large-scale act of dataset laundering, a type of fraud where someone takes data that they don't have the IP rights to, repackages it, and posts it on the internet under an incorrect license. Unless you have specific permission from all websites in this dataset, it is very likely that this data is not in fact under an MIT license.

Just looking at the first few entries in the dataset reveals serious red flags.
Business Wire's ToS:

You agree not to: (1) use the Business Wire Site for any other purposes, including, without limitation, to store, aggregate, reproduce or distribute information available on the Site in any manner or to compete directly or indirectly with Business Wire; ...

CRN

You will not reproduce, modify, distribute or republish materials contained on the Service (either directly or by linking) without our prior written permission. You will not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of content. You may, however, download material from the site (one machine readable copy and one print copy per page) for your personal, noncommercial use only. We reserve all rights in and title to all material so downloaded. All trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade dress and logos appearing on the site are the property of their respective owners, including in some instances The Channel Company.

Elko Daily Free Press:

Q: Do I need permission to use Elko Daily Free Press content?
A: Yes. With limited exceptions, discussed below or allowed by law, all use of content from Elko Daily Free Press (text, photographs, graphics, video etc.) requires permission from Elko Daily Free Press

It's not immediately clear what rights Benzinga gives you, but the fact that they sell an API for their data makes it seem like this isn't okay with them.

NBC:

You may not build a business, in whole or in part, resell, redistribute or recirculate or make any other commercial use of, or create derivative works or materials utilizing any portion of the online services or Content, whether or not for profit.

And so on.

Smooke changed discussion status to closed
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