[A2k] SCCR/19 Library statement on broadcast treaty

[Teresa Hackett (eIFL)]

SCCR/19
Agenda item 6
Protection of the rights of broadcasting organizations

Joint Intervention By:
International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) &
Electronic Information for Libraries (eIFL) &
Library Copyright Alliance

Thank you, Mr Chairman. I am speaking on behalf of the International
Federation of Library Associations, Electronic Information for Libraries
and Library Copyright Alliance.

We remain opposed to the proposal for a broadcast treaty because we
believe there is no compelling public policy reason. Any new layer of
rights which affects access to content is of concern to librarians
because it imposes an additional barrier to access to knowledge,
particularly content in the public domain.

If however, further work is to be done on the proposed treaty, it is
essential that it be limited to its intent i.e. to prohibit signal
piracy as mandated by the General Assembly, and that it not extend to
broadcast content. This is because awarding new and expanded rights of
copyright to rights holders who have not created original content is a
perilous precedent to set. It would be unreasonable and unjustified that
the protection of the broadcast vehicle should in any way be applied to
the content itself. However, were this to happen, a number of exceptions
and limitations are necessary, including for libraries, educational
activities and persons with disabilities.

Thank you, Mr Chairman