Comprehension
War, natural disasters and climate change are destroying some of the world's most precious cultural sites. Google is trying to help preserve these archaeological wonders by allowing users access to 3D images of these treasures through its site.
But the project is raising questions about Google's motivations and about who should own the digital copyrights. Some critics call it a form of "digital colonialism."
When it comes to archaeological treasures, the losses have been mounting. ISIS blew up parts of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria and an earthquake hit Bagan, an ancient city in Myanmar, damaging dozens of temples, in 2016. In the past, all archaeologists and historians had for restoration and research were photos, drawings, remnants and intuition.
But that's changing. Before the earthquake at Bagan, many of the temples on the site were scanned. . . . [These] scans . . . are on Google's Arts & Culture site. The digital renditions allow viewers to virtually wander the halls of the temple, look up-close at paintings and turn the building over, to look up at its chambers. . . . [Google Arts & Culture] works with museums and other nonprofits . . . to put high-quality images online.
The images of the temples in Bagan are part of a collaboration with CyArk, a nonprofit that creates the 3D scanning of historic sites. . . . Google . . . says [it] doesn't make money off this website, but it fits in with Google's mission to make the world's information available and useful.
Critics say the collaboration could be an attempt by a large corporation to wrap itself in the sheen of culture. Ethan Watrall, an archaeologist, professor at Michigan State University and a member of the Society for American Archaeology, says he's not comfortable with the arrangement between CyArk and Google. . . . Watrall says this project is just a way for Google to promote Google. "They want to make this material accessible so people will browse it and be filled with wonder by it," he says. "But at its core, it's all about advertisements and driving traffic." Watrall says these images belong on the site of a museum or educational institution, where there is serious scholarship and a very different mission. . . .
[There's] another issue for some archaeologists and art historians. CyArk owns the copyrights of the scans — not the countries where these sites are located. That means the countries need CyArk's permission to use these images for commercial purposes.
Erin Thompson, a professor of art crime at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, says it's the latest example of a Western nation appropriating a foreign culture, a centuries-long battle. . . . CyArk says it copyrights the scans so no one can use them in an inappropriate way. The company says it works closely with authorities during the process, even training local people to help. But critics like Thompson are not persuaded. . . . She would prefer the scans to be owned by the countries and people where these sites are located.
But the project is raising questions about Google's motivations and about who should own the digital copyrights. Some critics call it a form of "digital colonialism."
When it comes to archaeological treasures, the losses have been mounting. ISIS blew up parts of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria and an earthquake hit Bagan, an ancient city in Myanmar, damaging dozens of temples, in 2016. In the past, all archaeologists and historians had for restoration and research were photos, drawings, remnants and intuition.
But that's changing. Before the earthquake at Bagan, many of the temples on the site were scanned. . . . [These] scans . . . are on Google's Arts & Culture site. The digital renditions allow viewers to virtually wander the halls of the temple, look up-close at paintings and turn the building over, to look up at its chambers. . . . [Google Arts & Culture] works with museums and other nonprofits . . . to put high-quality images online.
The images of the temples in Bagan are part of a collaboration with CyArk, a nonprofit that creates the 3D scanning of historic sites. . . . Google . . . says [it] doesn't make money off this website, but it fits in with Google's mission to make the world's information available and useful.
Critics say the collaboration could be an attempt by a large corporation to wrap itself in the sheen of culture. Ethan Watrall, an archaeologist, professor at Michigan State University and a member of the Society for American Archaeology, says he's not comfortable with the arrangement between CyArk and Google. . . . Watrall says this project is just a way for Google to promote Google. "They want to make this material accessible so people will browse it and be filled with wonder by it," he says. "But at its core, it's all about advertisements and driving traffic." Watrall says these images belong on the site of a museum or educational institution, where there is serious scholarship and a very different mission. . . .
[There's] another issue for some archaeologists and art historians. CyArk owns the copyrights of the scans — not the countries where these sites are located. That means the countries need CyArk's permission to use these images for commercial purposes.
Erin Thompson, a professor of art crime at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, says it's the latest example of a Western nation appropriating a foreign culture, a centuries-long battle. . . . CyArk says it copyrights the scans so no one can use them in an inappropriate way. The company says it works closely with authorities during the process, even training local people to help. But critics like Thompson are not persuaded. . . . She would prefer the scans to be owned by the countries and people where these sites are located.
Question: 1
Based on his views mentioned in the passage, one could best characterise Dr. Watrall as being:
Based on his views mentioned in the passage, one could best characterise Dr. Watrall as being:
Updated On: Aug 20, 2024
- dismissive of laypeople’s access to specialist images of archaeological and cultural sites.
- opposed to the use of digital technology in archaeological and cultural sites in developing countries.
- uneasy about the marketing of archaeological images for commercial use by firms such as Google and CyArk.
- critical about the links between a non-profit and a commercial tech platform for distributing archaeological images.
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
By examining Watrall's perspectives, it becomes evident that he opposes Google's intentions rather than being against the technology itself. This allows us to eliminate option 2. Additionally, Watrall is not dismissive of laypeople's access to those images; in fact, being dismissive would place him in the wrong.
Now, we have options 3 and 4 to consider. Is Watrall uneasy or outrightly critical? Possibly both. However, Google has not explicitly stated that it will use the images for commercial purposes. Google has emphasized providing free access to the images, and any potential commercial benefits are speculative at this point. Option 4 appears to be the most fitting choice.
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Question: 2
By “digital colonialism”, critics of the CyArk–Google project are referring to the fact that:
By “digital colonialism”, critics of the CyArk–Google project are referring to the fact that:
Updated On: Aug 20, 2024
- countries where the scanned sites are located do not own the scan copyrights.
- CyArk and Google have not shared the details of digitisation with the host countries.
- the scanning process can damage delicate frescos and statues at the sites.
- CyArk and Google have been scanning images without copyright permission from host countries.
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
We should aim to respond to questions by finding information within the passage. The term 'digital colonization' is introduced in the initial paragraph, where critics inquire about "who should own the copyrights." It is referred to as 'digital colonization.' Therefore, digital colonization indicates that the countries where the scanned sites are situated do not possess the scan copyrights.
Option 4 is another plausible choice, but it would be accurate only if the host countries have ownership of the copyrights. They can grant copyright permission only if they actually own the copyrights.
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Question: 3
Which of the following, if true, would most strongly invalidate Dr. Watrall’s objections?
Which of the following, if true, would most strongly invalidate Dr. Watrall’s objections?
Updated On: Aug 20, 2024
- CyArk uploads its scanned images of archaeological sites onto museum websites only.
- There is a ban on CyArk scanning archeological sites located in other countries.
- CyArk does not own the copyright on scanned images of archaeological sites.
- Google takes down advertisements on its website hosting CyArk’s scanned images.
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
To accurately address this question, it's crucial to examine Dr. Watrall's argument. In the passage, it is mentioned that "Watrall says these images belong on the site of a museum or educational institution, where there is serious scholarship and a very different mission."
If Option 1 is accurate, it would undeniably contradict Dr. Watrall's objection.
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Question: 4
In Dr. Thompson’s view, CyArk owning the copyright of its digital scans of archaeological sites is akin to:
In Dr. Thompson’s view, CyArk owning the copyright of its digital scans of archaeological sites is akin to:
Updated On: Aug 20, 2024
- the illegal downloading of content from the internet.
- the seizing of ancient Egyptian artefacts by a Western museum.
- tourists uploading photos of monuments onto social media.
- digital platforms capturing users’ data for market research.
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Acquiring copyright technically involves possessing something. In this context, even though the site is situated in one country, the copyrights are held by a different entity, resembling the scenario where Western museums own Egyptian artifacts. It's crucial to note that 'seizing' implies forcefully taking something from someone.
Eliminating Option 1 is appropriate since illegal downloading does not confer ownership.
Similarly, Option 3 is not fitting because providing free access does not equate to granting ownership rights.
Option 4 is also unsuitable as it lacks the proper analogy for the situation at hand.
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Question: 5
Of the following arguments, which one is LEAST likely to be used by the companies that digitally scan cultural sites?
Of the following arguments, which one is LEAST likely to be used by the companies that digitally scan cultural sites?
Updated On: Aug 20, 2024
- It provides images free of cost to all users.
- It helps preserve precious images in case the sites are damaged or destroyed.
- It allows a large corporation to project itself as a protector of culture.
- It enables people who cannot physically visit these sites to experience them.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
This question can be addressed by applying common sense and carefully considering the statements made by Google and CyArk in defense of their actions. The appropriate choice would be one that these companies would not use to justify their actions.
Options 1, 2, and 4 offer plausible reasons. However, Option 3 is not a valid reason because it implies an authoritarian attitude on the part of the companies. Someone claiming to be a "protector of culture" could be seen as snobbish, whereas being a promoter of culture is more acceptable. Therefore, Option 3 is the correct choice.
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