EU joins fight against online piracy with new bill

Thursday, 30 January 2003

The EU is to discuss tough new anti-piracy rules this week, targeting the problem of online copying in areas such as music, under which, member states will treat piracy as a criminal offence possibly leading to jail. The proposal has been eagerly awaited by the music industry, which says it faces an increasing flow of illegal copies of CDs, video tapes and DVDs. The rules complement a separate bill unveiled that would increase the powers of EU custom and excise authorities by allowing them to conduct more extensive searches of travellers’ luggage and to seize a broader range of goods. "I can confirm the European Commission is due to consider a proposal for a directive on the enforcement of intellectual property rights," European Commissioner Jonathan Todd said.
However, music industry remained unimpressed by the proposals, saying that the measures may be insufficient in tackling all infringements of copyright holders. "We believe the EU should send a strong political signal that piracy should be condemned in all circumstances," Frances Moore, Regional Director for Europe at the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). According to IFPI data up to 50 percent of all CDs sold worldwide are illegal copies, and the size of the illegal market is worth around $4.3 billion per year.

Source: Yahoo! News