Orphan Works and the Digital Bill

It looks as though part of the bill was scrapped and we still own our own images.

http://www.stop43.org.uk/

Well that is a small piece of good news from a lousy law.

You still risk being cut off from the 'net for downloading too much, even if you have paid for it. Crazy.

It's been put on hold, so we'll have to see what happens after 6th May.

I understood the digital bill had been passed and was now in the Lords, to be rushed through before the election.

link

At least the Cider tax has been scrapped .

True, but as the government now has the power to shut down any message forum, photo sharing site, or social network I'm not sure it can be described as a victory.

Fair point, my aptly named friend. But I do fear you are right.

I'm sorry? did you think that the government won't shut down any forum they want to? It's standard practice if the right people complain... same thing for web sites, too. No change there.

And it doesn't matter where it is. Go look up the "abuse" email address for your provider.
Bret

Well I've the perfect solution, why not emigrate?

I tried, but I don't score enough points to go to New Zealand

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/Digital_Economy_Bill_Photographers_cla...

Hmm. So does that mean it is getting dropped, or not

Apparently it was passed late last night, but some sections were dropped. Court orders are now required to close websites, no sweeping powers being available without them.

The Orphan Works clause has been dropped I think.

All in all, having been rushed through with little scrutiny, I'm sure it will have all sorts of unforseen effects and the lawyers will be happy for a very lomg time.

As with so many recent laws!
I fear you are right

Under what circumstances can they do that?

Technically, whenever they like.


[quote="Digital Economy Bill, Clause 18"]The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about the granting by a court of a blocking injunction in respect of a location on the internet which the court is satisfied has been, is being or is likely to be used for or in connection with an activity that infringes copyright[/quote]The emphasis in that quote is mine by the way. 'is likely to be used' is the key here - there is no requirement that the website in question is actually used for copyright infringement. Thus any website with the potential to be used for copyright infringement (ie any which allows user-contributed content - message forums, Flickr, Wikileaks, etc.) can be blocked. Bear in mind that the Secretary of State in question is Mandelson, who allowed the BPI to draft parts of the Digital Economy Bill.