Music industry welcomes piracy law

The Corrs: Looking for better protection for their music

LONDON, England (CNN) -- The music industry has given a cautious approval to European Union moves aimed at restricting Internet piracy.

The industry's umbrella group, the International Federation of Phonographic Industries, said the copyright directive was "a workable proposal."

"There are enough elements here for the music industry to speed up the offering of music to consumers in a wider range of ways," IFPI Chairman Jay Berman said shortly after the result was announced on Wednesday.

"The directive recognises that copyright is an essential part of the Information Society."

IFPI represents the recording industry worldwide, with members made up of more than 1,400 record producers and distributors in over 70 countries.

"We appreciate all the work the European Parliament has put into making it possible for our companies to do business. This will be to the benefit of artists and consumers alike," Berman said.

The draft proposal allows rights' holders in the music and film industries to prevent illegal copying of their works using advanced technology.

Under the text of the directive "authors, performers, producers and broadcasting organisations will in principle enjoy exclusive rights regarding the reproduction, communication and dissemination of their work."

But individual European countries will be able to introduce their own exceptions or limitations to the rules.

These include when they consider it to be in the public interest -- for example to assist certain categories of people, such as the disabled, and reproduction for press purposes.

But in some cases the exceptions will be on the condition that the copyright holder receives fair compensation and in others that the source, including the author's name, is indicated.

As for the private individual, they will still be permitted to make copies solely for private and non-commercial use -- an amendment designed to strike a balance between the rights of artists and the public.

Having approved the directive, the parliament also wants to shorten the deadline for its entry into force from 24 months to 18 months -- the same time as the electronic commerce directive.

Europe approves Internet piracy law
February 14, 2001
In-Depth Special: Napster

European Parliament
IFPI
Napster
British Musicians' Union

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