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Copyright Debate
Ian recently took part in a debate on copyright at the British Library, hosted by the Author’s Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS). The debate was chaired by John Humphrys and the panel included playwright Alan Plater and writer Joan Smith. Ian was asked to take part as in his former role as chair of the Science and Technology Select Committee he oversaw a Report entitled 'Scientific Publications: Free for All?'
The debate was organised to look at some of the challenges facing authors in the digital age. With masses of information now moving across the internet, it is becoming ever more difficult for authors to keep track of where their work is being used and who it is being used by. Proposals were discussed to try and combat this problem, such as an authors ‘neighbourhood watch scheme.’
Copyright legitimacy was also debated. Increasing numbers of people, especially young people, are illegally downloading content from the internet. A discussion was had as to how to increase awareness of the effects that copyright infringement has on people’s lives. A call was made for greater education surrounding the area of copyright, so that people understand what actions are legally and illegal when copying work and what consequences such action has.
The Gowers Report, which was published by the Treasury in December of last year, was discussed. The report was commissioned to look at the issues surrounding intellectual property rights in the UK and to recommend ways in which the system could be improved. Ian noted that the report was now being digested by the various interested government departments and action on its recommendations would be forthcoming.
Many interested parties from the media and publishing world were in attendance. A number of points were taken from the audience which included fellow MP Denis McShane. The event was brought to an end with a series of proposals, based on the points that had been raised during the debate, being voted by those in attendance. To view the debate visit www.alcs.co.uk and follow the link for the British Library debate.