New twist to filesharing debate
In a world in which most copyrighted material takes digital form and most consumers have access to a broadband connection, it is all too easy technically and usually cost-free for users to copy, distribute and adapt copyrighted works.
In a news release and a statement issued by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) today, the Government has clearly signalled that it is changing its mind on the proposals set out as recently as the Digital Britain Final report on how to combat illegal file sharing. Now it wants to move faster, to consider severer measures, and to involve Ministers more.
Consumer organisations will doubt that this is a fair balance between creators and users. Also such organisations seek new legislation to legitimise fair use of copyrighted material such as format shifting. The debate is sure to run.