WHOSE MEDIA?
Microsoft is reportedly named in a lawsuit by Richard Lang, founder of
Burst.com, a pioneer in streaming video technology for the Internet. Beyond
the merits of this particular case, the issue at hand is who will control
digital media publication and distribution in the future. Will small ventures
have access to publishing technology, in an atmosphere of liberation and empowerment?
Or will a mega-corporation place high premiums upon any entry into the industry,
charging annual licensing fees, and claiming ownership to the digital code
created by the expressive and publishing operations of individuals and media
studios?
LAW ALTERS SPANISH CYBER LANDSCAPE
Spain's new law governing the provision of commercial products and services
via the Internet, inluding the sale of advertising space or the collection
of donations, has prompted hundreds of sites to shut down in protest. The
law is considered by many to be a blow to the freedom of information, and
of access, which has characterized the Internet until now.
Among the major problems with this particular law is its hazy language. Many claim to be left without any idea whatsoever as to exactly how the law will affect their work. Even descriptions of what constitute major and minor violations are so vague as to leave the smallest, least offensive entity open to enormous fines, apparently subject to the open interpretation of law enforcement, government agencies, and/or judiciary discretion.
This law has serious implications insofar as it questions the very nature of free expression in the Digital Age, and its jurisdiction is written to expand to all companies anywhere who operate over the Internet, if even one customer has some tie to Spanish territory. Factors for determining this connection are unclear, as are distinctions between standards of compliance required of non-profits, versus for-profits.
