As of this week on the third of October, the UK Digital Economies act has come into force. The digital economies act introduces stricter regulation aimed to reduce the level of piracy in the UK.
In response to the new legislation, the London School of Economics (LSE) has published a fairly controversial article. The fourteen page article, titled copyright and creation, submits a number of different well thought out and well supported suggestions. First, it suggests that the effects that piracy has had on the music industry is heavily exaggerated and that the music industry should focus more on finding alternative business models rather than trying to actively stop piracy. It further has data to support the notion that while piracy may have some effect on direct sales of music, overall piracy is indirectly resulting in more revenue for the music industry not less. This, once again, is due to the alternative methods of revenue which the music industry should focus on.
They make some very convincing points, but it should be noted that paper has been met with serious criticism since its release. One particular blog, which makes some convincing counterclaims, is the music industry blog. The blog makes some interesting points on why revenue from alternative sources, such as live revenue, is not a viable option for most artists, and the inequity which lies in taking away the right of the artists to make money from their music.
I’ll update this blog with a greater detailed view of the LSE’s paper, but for now I’ll let you take a read of the articles and decide for yourself.
Sources:
Why the LSE’s Piracy Arguments Just Don’t Hold Water
