British Journal of Photography condemns government plans to change copyright licensing
Queen's Speech confirms intention to change digital licensing rules
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The UK government's plans to change copyright licensing rules have today been challenged by the British Journal of Photography, following the annual Queen's Speech.
"My government will introduce a bill to ensure the communications infrastructure is fit for the digital age, supports future economic growth, delivers competitive communications and enhances public service broadcasting," the Queen announced, in her traditional delivery of government plans . As reported by the British Journal of Photography earlier this week , government plans for the Digital Economy Bill, expected to be based on proposals by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) , will include changes to the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
The bill, aimed at curbing online infringement of copyright will make legal action 'more effective' and 'educate consumers about copyright on-line' through 'reserve powers' and possibly introducing 'technical measures, such as disconnection'.
The BJP has suggested that the changes could have most impact on photographers, as non-commercial consumers could use images without having to ask for permission or providing payment to the photographer.
The publication is concerned about the IPO's '@ Way Ahead' report and its recommendation that, in a bid to reduce the complexity of the system, the system should remove the need to seek permission and make payment for personal use of individual copyright works'.
"The proposed changes to the current licensing regime could have drastic effect on photographers, as, if the government follows the Intellectual Property Office recommendations, consumers could be automatically granted a license for any non-commercial usage without having to ask for permission," BJP news editor Olivier Laurent told Journalism.co.uk.
"Worse, they wouldn't see any financial compensation either. This could essentially affect wedding and event photographers, who could lose a large proportion of their revenues, which come from prints, if their customers are allowed to share and print their photos without restrictions."
