News

Access Copyright and Robertson Case

Christopher Moore examines the second Robertson copyright class action settlement and the virtual absence of Access Copyright from the proceedings. Moore concludes “Access Copyright cannot ever defend creators’ copyrights against publishers who seek to abuse them. Its very structure forbids it.”

June 28, 2011 — Comments are Disabled — News

Forget “Skinny Basic”, It’s Time For the CRTC To Mandate Full Consumer Broadcast Choice

The CRTC vertical integration hearing continues today, following several full days last week in which the Commissioners repeatedly asked whether companies such as Rogers, Bell, and Shaw should be required to offer a “skinny basic” service – a cheaper television package with limited programming. The introduction of skinny basic appears to be one of the CRTC’s preferred responses to the issue, since it is concerned that vertically integrated companies will use their broadcast distribution services to require subscribers to subscribe to their broadcast properties. The major integrated providers have opposed the idea, arguing consumers aren’t interested.

While greater consumer choice is definitely needed, skinny basic, which still envisions a required basket of channels, isn’t good enough. A preferable approach would be to offer consumers real choice with a full pick-and-pay format. I discussed the option in 2009 during the fee-for-carriage fight:

June 27, 2011 — 23 comments — News

Lawful Access Concerns Generating Increased Media Coverage

Concern over the government’s lawful access plans continues to mount, with coverage in the National Post and a column from the Globe’s Tabatha Southey.

June 27, 2011 — 2 comments — News

Angus on Lawful Access: Serious Erosion of Privacy Rights

NDP MP Charlie Angus has sent a detailed letter to Public Safety Minister Vic Toews expressing concern about the return of lawful access legislation. Lawful access provisions are expected to be included in an omnibus crime bill to be introduced in the fall. Angus points to several key concerns, including mandatory disclosure of some personal information without court oversight:

Of particular concern is Clause 16 of the former Bill C-52 allowing security services unrestricted access to any device identification data from an ISP or other telecommunications service provider without a warrant. This will allow law enforcement to identify individuals involved in a striking array of online activity including anonymous political opinions made in blog posts or newspaper comments, location data posted online from a smart phone, social networking activity, private online instant message or email exchanges, and a host of currently unforeseeable future online interactions that are sure to come with new innovations and services. This unrestricted access to e-mail addresses will make it possible to track individuals across a vast range of online services, activities, and even locations.

Angus also points to the lack of oversight built into the bill:

June 24, 2011 — 21 comments — News