Mike Masnick of Techdirt-fame has written a new report commissioned by the Consumer and Communications Industry Association that demonstrates how the entertainment industry is growing at a rapid pace.
Articles by: Michael Geist
Two Universities Sign Agreement With Access Copyright
The University of Toronto and Western have signed an agreement with Access Copyright that will see their students pay $27.50 per year to the copyright collective. Update: Howard Knopf and Sam Trosow both provide analysis of the agreement explaining why it represents a big win for Access Copyright.
The Daily Digital Lock Dissenter: The Series To Date
Throughout the fall, I ran a daily digital lock dissenter series, pointing to a wide range of organizations representing creators, consumers, businesses, educators, historians, archivists, and librarians who have issued policy statements that are at odds with the government’s approach to digital locks in Bill C-11. While the series took […]
Thousands Take to the Streets to Protest ACTA
The protests against the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement continue to spread in cities across Europe. The protests began in Poland, where thousands have taken to the streets and opposition politicians have worn Guy Fawkes masks in protest against the country signing the agreement last week. The scenes from Poland are remarkable, […]
The ACTA Fight Returns: What Is at Stake and What You Can Do
This has generated a flurry of furious protest: thousands have taken to the streets in protest in Poland, nearly 250,000 people have signed a petition against the agreement, and a Member of the European Parliament has resigned his position as rapporteur to scrutinize the agreement, concluding that the entire review process is a “charade.”
Some are characterizing ACTA as worse than SOPA, but the reality is somewhat more complicated. From a substantive perspective, ACTA’s Internet provisions are plainly not as bad as those contemplated by SOPA. Over the course of several years of public protest and pressure, the Internet provisions were gradually watered down with the removal of three strikes and you’re out language. Other controversial provisions on statutory damages and anti-camcording rules were made optional rather than mandatory.
While the Internet provisions may not be as bad as SOPA, the remainder of the agreement raises many significant concerns.
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