The government is inviting views on the idea of a ‘digital rights agency’ and how it would go about protecting and promoting the use of copyright legally on the internet. It is also asking how industry, consumer groups and the government can work together in order to create the right environment for investment and creativity.
Creators, commercial rights-holders and consumers groups have all been asked to respond to a written discussion that looks into the possible benefits of creating a new agency and the impact it would have when it comes to copying illegal online file-sharing and piracy.
‘A Step Forward’?
“A properly worked out rights agency could be a real step forward. We can’t have a system where even net-surfing 12 year olds have to understand copyright in order to keep themselves and their parents safe within the law,” said Minister of State for Intellectual Property, David Lammy.
He added that: “The real prize here is a rights agency that sorts out the complexities that keep consumers on the right side of the law, and ensure artists get properly paid.
“We need to make it easier for consumers to do the right thing. The internet has become an integral part of daily life. You shouldn’t need to be an underwriter to take out an insurance policy, and you shouldn’t need legal training to surf the web.”
Copyright Currently ‘Socially Acceptable’
Stephen Carter, Minister for Technology, Communications and Broadcasting, said: “Britain’s creative industries are respected and admired the world over and are hugely important to our national competitiveness. But in the new digital age, copyright infringement has become easier and more socially acceptable, so it’s clear we need some form of legislative backstop for the protection of rights as well as new and innovative ways to access legal content.
“Today we have published proposals in the form of a Straw Man on digital rights. That Straw Man could be torched, tolerated or a touchstone for the start point of constructive debate and design. I for one hope it is the latter.”
What Needs to be Decided?
The discussion paper raises issues such as:
• How we should educate and change consumer behaviour with regards to copyright material
• How to support legislation which addresses consumer activity that breaks copyright laws, and what to do about those who persistently breach the laws
• Whether or not an Agency should be an independent industry body with Ofcom holding back-up legal powers.
What Do You Think?
Should an agency like this be introduced? What kind of powers should they have? How should it be funded? Leave your comments here.
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