Copyright policy based largely on "lobbynomics," not data

Copyright policy based largely on "lobbynomics," not data

arstechnica.com

A major new independent report to the UK Prime Minister on his country's intellectual property laws is out. Digital Opportunity: A Review of Intellectual Property and Growth could hardly make its position clearer: the UK has lost its way when it comes to copyright policy.

(visit the link for the full news article)

I am very pleased that the UK seems legitimately engaged in examining the reality behind Copyright enforcement lobbying.

The problem with those in governance both in the UK and in the US is simple. The massively rich industry can afford to buy ample face-time with legislators who appear only too eager to enjoy their company and whatever perks that brings.

From the article:

Here are just a few of the most telling quotes:

"We urge Government to ensure that in future, policy on Intellectual Property issues is constructed on the basis of evidence, rather than weight of lobbying."

"On copyright issues, lobbying on behalf of rights owners has been more persuasive to Ministers than economic impact assessments."

"Much of the data needed to develop empirical evidence on copyright and designs is privately held. It enters the public domain chiefly in the form of 'evidence' supporting the arguments of lobbyists ('lobbynomics') rather than as independently verified research conclusions."

The report, authored by journalism professor Ian Hargreaves, all but begs the government to embrace "evidence driven" IP lawmaking.

In time I hope this measured view of the effect of mega-media lobbying on our legislators, most of whom suffer from politically expedient flaccidity. Given the proper political or personal motivation... they seem willing to make anything their associates draft, into law.

arstechnica.com
(visit the link for the full news article)

Well, it seems that one head of the hydra has been identified. But lobbying is a rampant problem. Not just with copyright, as the war machine is undoubtedly not only bankrupting America, but bringing down the whole world.

Humanity can't really be this stupid. It must be orchestrated.