Culture media and sport committee inquiry: new media and the creative industries

Abstract

The National Consumer Council welcomes the opportunity to give evidence to the Culture Media and Sport Committee's inquiry into new media and the creative industries. Digital technology is having a major impact on our lives; it has changed how we find and use consumer information, as a service, and as a product, and it has radically changed distribution models in many sectors. The current copyright regime, which was designed for the analogue world, has proved unfit for the challenges of the digital revolution. There are now major tensions between IP rights holders, particularly music companies, and consumers. New approaches are needed. Our approach to intellectual property is to achieve a balanced regime that recognises both the interests of creators and the interests of consumers. We do not believe that this balance is being achieved. The legitimate interests of consumers have been eroded by the strident articulation (and advancement) of the interests of intellectual property rights holders.