Kroes claims technology must redefine copyright

EC vice-president for the digital agenda states that art feeds the soul, but asks who feeds the artist?

Vice-president of the European Commission responsible for the digital agenda Neelie Kroes has criticised existing copyright law, and suggested that technology and the cloud may hold the answer.

In a speech given at the weekend to the Forum d'Avignon, a group which aims to debate and strengthen the links between culture and the economy, Kroes stated that art and artists, whose livelihoods are protected by copyright law, are essential to the European economy.

"[Art] is essential to our economic future. And if we want it to stay this way, we must be able to support those who create art," she said.

"We must be concerned about the fate of Europe's struggling artists and creators. Art feeds the soul. But who feeds the artist?"

Kroes explained that the existing copyright system is failing to meet its objectives, with piracy proving to be difficult to counter.

She also criticised public perception, arguing that most people view copyright as a way of witholding access to artistic works, rather than as a system designed to reward and recognise the artists themselves.

In her opinion, the answer, at least in part, lies in technology.

"ICT can help here. In all sorts of sectors, ICT can help artists connect with their audience, directly and cheaply. And it can help audiences find and enjoy material that suits their specific needs, interests and tastes," she said.

Kroes proposed a database designed to identify the creators of artworks, and those accessing them.

"[We need a] Global Repertoire database to find out what belongs to whom. We need tracking technologies, to permit a totally transparent process for artists and intermediaries to find out who is looking at what artwork when and to distribute revenues accordingly," she added.

"And digitisation makes artworks available for instant transmission to distant fans."

She cited the cloud as a mechanism that can help make this happen, recognising that the existing copyright system would have to change to accommodate it.

"Look at cloud computing: it presents a totally new way of purchasing, delivering and consuming cultural works – music, books, films – which will certainly raise new questions about how licensing should function in an optimal way," said Kroes.

She concluded that member states should not fear online systems for sharing artworks, but rather consider how the legal framework could be adapted to make them work.

"Some European stakeholders see the arrival of Netflix, or the expansion of iTunes, with horror," she claimed. "We need to react, not to be paralysed by fear. Let's take chances. As Zygmunt Bauman put it: 'the function of culture is not to satisfy existing needs, but to create new ones'."