Google, Microsoft combined effort to end piracy sites

For the first time, global tech giants Google and Microsoft have agreed to tighten up their search engines as part of a crackdown on piracy sites illegally streaming events and films.

Google and Bing, Microsoft’s search engine, have signed up to a voluntary code of practice and will ensure offending websites are demoted in their search results.

The entertainment industry reached the agreement with the tech giants after talks brokered by the UK government.

The initiative will run in parallel with existing anti-piracy measures.