Articles by: Michael Geist

U.S. Government Funding For Open Education Materials a “Game Changer”

Appeared on February 27, 2011 in the Toronto Star as U.S. digital project signals the rise of versatile e-textbooks The technology community is fond of referring to announcements that fundamentally alter a sector or service as a “game changer”. Recent examples include the debut of the Apple iTunes store in […]

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March 9, 2011 Comments are Disabled Columns Archive

Canadian Lawyers on C-32: Fix the Digital Lock Rules

The National Post runs a feature on the legal profession’s views on Bill C-32.  Several lawyers are quoted expressing concern with the digital lock rules.  The article concludes “ultimately, most lawyers suggest that the fair dealing definitions and exceptions should be broadened and consumers should have the right to break […]

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March 9, 2011 8 comments News

Conservatives and Bloc Negotiating C-32 Deal?

The Wire Report reports that the Conservatives and the Bloc are negotiating a deal on C-32 that would allow for the bill to pass in return for several reforms including the removal of fair dealing for education and the exception for broadcasters.

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March 9, 2011 8 comments News

Canadian Funded Study Provides New Insights Into Global Piracy Claims

The Social Science Research Council has released its much-anticipated study on media piracy in emerging economies. The 440 page report, which received funding from Canada’s International Development Research Centre, provides an exceptionally detailed and insightful examination of global piracy claims with specific analysis of several middle income economies including South Africa, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Bolivia, and India. The report also features a detailed discussion of industry-sponsored piracy research, the shortcomings of the enforcement agenda, the lack of evidence that “organized crime” is heavily involved in piracy, and the ongoing failure of “education” programs.

The entire report is a must-read but key findings include:

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March 8, 2011 8 comments News

Bloc Sets Terms For Its Support of Bill C-32

The Bloc has posted a public letter stating its demands for support of Bill C-32.  Demands include extending the private copying levy, dropping the extension of fair dealing to include education, and retention of the ephemeral rights provision that results in millions in payments by broadcasters.

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March 8, 2011 6 comments News