A federal judge has rejected the internet giant Google’s controversial deal with authors and publishers to digitize millions of printed books for the world’s largest online library. Google has partnered with some of the world’s most famous research libraries to scan more than seven million books. In 2005, the Authors Guild and the Association of American Publishers filed lawsuits against Google challenging the company’s right to scan copyrighted material and making it searchable online. A $125 million settlement was reached in 2008. But on Tuesday, U.S. Circuit Judge Denny Chin in Manhattan said that while he recognizes the project’s potential benefits, the agreement would grant Google “significant rights to exploit entire books” without permission. Google has defended its project, saying its goal is to give the public access to millions of out-of-print books. But critics have warned the settlement could result in Google having a monopoly of access to information and giving Google an exclusive license to profit from millions of books.