UK Looks To Tackle Fair Use Issues

[DudeAsInCool]

"Give a little, take a little" - The UK is looking to clearly define fair-use, but crack down on piracy.

New legislation could soon be appearing in the UK that modernises its treatment of digital works. In a pre-budget statement, the results of a recent report are being turned into a proposed legal modification that clearly defines and expands fair use. The trade-off? It also makes true 'piracy' a much more serious offense.

The report, known as the Gowers Report, was commissioned by the UK government in an effort to help modernise copyright law in the digital age. Current law has been found to be far too nebulous in respect to what does and does not constitute a consumer's right to use purchased media, allowing both sides to take advantage in a war over who owns the content.

One of the biggest recommendations that affects consumers is the expansion and clear definition of "fair use." The actual "Fair Use" doctrine is part of US copyright law, but the EU has a similar policy laid out with "Fair Dealings." You can read up on it in our article on DRM law.

Read more at BeatTech