Work for the promotion of e-commerce of copyrighted content should continue

- There is great potential in the electronic commerce of creative contents that should be fully utilised even by modifying the legislation, if necessary, stated the chairman of the talks, Arne Wessberg.

In the light of the talks, there seems to be willingness within the branch for developing the conditions for commerce in creative content. A vast illicit file sharing reduces considerably the enthusiasm to invest in the development of electronic commerce of copyrighted content.

Minister Stefan Wallin found it positive that there is a common willingness for acting together for the promotion of electronic commerce in creative contents. – Models from other countries also show that it is time to act. We will evaluate the proposals made by Mr wessberg and I will discuss with my minister colleagues about the possible further actions. This same topic will be discussed also in Brussels later this week in the Culture Council meeting, said Mr Wallin.

It was agreed in the talks that the challenge for the branch is to induce the majority of consumers who never buy content over the internet to begin using web-based services.
As a means of promoting electronic commerce in content, the parties to the talks suggested enhancing supply and services, boosting demand and emphasising consumer friendliness.

Another challenge for the branch is the illicit distribution of copyrighted materials over the internet, which undermines possible income formation of those doing creative work, the prerequisites for creative production and commercial potential

Mr Wessberg proposes that the review of current legislation should be finalised and the preparation of possibly needed amendments to legislation to be started that support the reduction of illicit file sharing over the internet.

According to Mr Wessberg it would be important that legislation allows in the future communications and targeted messages to be delivered to connection owners whose IP addresses are used for illicit file sharing.

With a message like this connection owners could be informed about the illicit use of their connection. It would also make it possible to inform the parents of children and young people that their internet connection is used for unlawful purposes.

In this context, the fundamental rights and legal security of the internet users should be guaranteed.

The parties to the talks were in agreement that communication targeted to the consumer, including media education, should be developed and increased in as many forums as possible.

For more information:
- Arne Wessberg, tel. 0400 618 800
- direktor Jukka Liedes, tel. 09-160 77481
- special adviser Carl Haglund, tel. 050 521 7379