Cameron Supports Extension Of Copyright Term For Sound Recordings

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

06 July 2007

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the UK recording industry group, BPI, Tory party leader David Cameron expressed his support for the proposed extension of the copyright term for sound recordings from 50 years to 70.

Outlining his new policy on the creative industries and social responsibility, the Conservative leader, who was the meeting's keynote speaker, described the extension of the term of copyright from 50 years to 70 years for sound recordings as “good for musicians and consumers too”.

"A Conservative Government will argue for this in Europe, for this change to happen in order to protect investment in the future of the industry, reward our creative artists and generate more choice for consumers," stated Cameron.

He also highlighted the role that ISPs should play in combating copyright theft. Describing them as "the gatekeepers of the internet", he argued that illegal downloads were "clear and visible internet traffic" and "could be blocked by ISPs".

Noting the "massive fraud" carried out against the music industry every day, Cameron emphasised that "copyright theft has to be treated like other theft" and pledged that the Conservatives would enforce laws more strongly so that perpetrators are brought to book.

He added that the Conservatives would work with industry to "get the message out that piracy and illegal filesharing is wrong".

Mr Cameron also called for an end to violent song lyrics, arguing that the music industry should play its part in banning such lyrics, which are contributing to the "broken society" which he argued exists in the UK today.

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