Category Europe

Council Of Europe: Access To Internet Is A Fundamental Right

What applies offline is also valid online - an argument often used against internet communication by legislators - has been turned around to underline fundamental rights on the internet in a new resolution of the Council of Europe.

Drug Seizures In Frankfurt Spark Fears Of EU-Wide Pattern

Health advocates have raised alarm over reports that several million pills of generic medicine were held up in Frankfurt airport in May despite being destined for a different port. And new information has come to light indicating Dutch seizures were more numerous than originally thought. These developments have prompted outcry and the assertion that a European-wide law on customs and intellectual property is problematic.

Swedish Pirate Party Set To Win Seats In EU Elections

COPENHAGEN - As a candidate for the European Parliament elections on Sunday, the Swedish Pirate Party has “good chances” of winning one, two or possibly even three mandates, it says, referring to Swedish opinion polls.

Special Report: The Future Of File Sharing

Digital content owners continue to emphasise enforcement and protection of intellectual property. However, the impact that litigation and legislation have had with the purpose of limiting illegal file sharing remains questionable, thus setting the stage for new economic models and approaches that could serve as a remedy.

Freedom Of Expression Vs. DRM — The First Empirical Assessment

patricia-akesters-photoResults of recent research on the impact of digital rights management (DRM) on the ability of users to take advantage of certain exceptions to copyright have introduced new systemic empirical data into the debate.

Content Industry Still Seeks Digital Model As Enforcement Focus Persists

In the continued absence of a new model that adequately includes them, major global media groups remain concerned over revenues lost to unauthorised file-sharing decades after the arrival of the internet, and their focus is still on enforcement and extension of their rights.

French Parliament Passes Final Internet Anti-Piracy Law; Reaction Expected

The French Senate’s vote on Wednesday sealed the adoption by the Parliament of the controversial French HADOPI law creating a graduated punishment mechanism for alleged copyright infringement on the internet.

Argentina Copyright Case Brings Access To Education Into The Spotlight

An Argentinean philosophy professor is being sued for alleged copyright infringement for posting translated versions of French philosopher Jacques Derrida’s works on a website, according to the Copy South Research Group. The case is bringing international attention to the limitations on access to education brought about by copyright.

The World Is Going Flat(-Rate)

08-05-02_wiepersdorf_05 A new study shows a copyright exception for legalising file-sharing is feasible, as a cease-fire in the “war on copying” emerges. A new social contract between creatives and society is needed, says media sociologist Volker Grassmuck.