Archive notice: This article was originally published on May 2, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Against the backdrop of increasing download capacity, this applies above all to the online distribution of pirated copies, Sommer continues. Protecting intellectual property should be about cooperation rather than confrontation. “It is clear that ISPs are increasingly addressing the problem, but that alone is not enough”, the GVU chairman says of the situation. It is time finally to act. Above all, this includes the necessary legal framework.
A fair balance of interests must be achieved between the creative industries on one side and the telecommunications industry on the other, also demand the Alliance of German Producers – Film & Television, the German Music Industry Association, GEMA and the German Publishers and Booksellers Association. Together with GVU, these institutions are now addressing the government. They call for better political conditions for effective copyright protection on the Internet and a clear political will for new measures.
Following initiatives in France, Britain, Japan, Australia and at EU level, those involved favour a technical solution for taking action against Internet users who download illegally. Under government moderation and in cooperation with data protection and consumer advocates and ISPs, a corresponding approach against such copyright infringers should be implemented. Under this approach, ISPs should initially send warnings to customers who have attracted attention through illegal downloading. In repeat cases, a graduated sanctions mechanism would initially threaten temporary restrictions and ultimately termination of the provider contract.
The organisations thus support a current initiative by around 200 actors, filmmakers, composers, musicians, writers and publishers. On Intellectual Property Day, these creatives are addressing Chancellor Merkel in an open letter. To preserve one of the most important resources for the future, cultural and creative diversity, the Chancellor should make the issue a “top-level priority”. That is the signatories’ request.
In this context, GVU’s chairman repeats his offer of talks to all involved: “It is important that everyone involved, namely rights holders, Internet providers, data protection advocates and policymakers, sit down together and discuss this subject objectively. Misunderstandings or inadequate information only do harm here”, Sommer concludes.
