It’s no secret that we’re fans of Grooveshark’s mobile app, letting us listen to tracks of our choice while on the go. Not everyone’s so enamored, with music industry pressure keeping the program out of app stores. Google was the latest to pull the plug, yanking Grooveshark from the Android Market for ToS violations. Grooveshark’s Paul Geller has fired back with an open letter to Google, claiming it’s done nothing wrong and attacking the company for policing what it feels is a legitimate, legal app.

Grooveshark’s argument is that while its users may upload songs in violation of copyright, the company follows DMCA rules for removing such content it’s aware of, essentially making it no different than YouTube. Additionally, it actively negotiates usage rights with labels, letting covered copyrighted songs stream on the up-and-up.

While Google hasn’t said exactly what Grooveshark may have done to deserve the ejection from the Android Market, the strength of the presumption that it feels there was something inherently illicit about Grooveshark’s service is palpable. If Google doesn’t want to look like an RIAA errand boy, it would behoove the company to make a clear case for its actions. In the meantime, Grooveshark is available as a sideloaded app.

Source: Digital Music News

Via: Androinica