Media-Communication Union Raises Concerns over Copyright Bill
The Media-Communication Union (ISS), which includes major companies such as Channel One, Rostelecom, MTS, Tricolor, VGTRK, and Gazprom-Media, has sent a letter to Maxim Topilin, the head of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy, expressing concerns about a bill proposed by the KPRF party. The bill, if implemented, could lead to the “cessation of their activities” and violates the interests of market participants in the media and communication industry.
In the letter, the union highlights the potential risks associated with the bill, including the legalization and popularization of pirate resources. It argues that such a development would have negative consequences for domestic manufacturers and copyright holders of content.
The bill, submitted to the State Duma in April, proposes amendments to the Federal Law of March 4, 2022. Under the proposed changes, the use of foreign works with exclusive rights would be permitted without permission, as long as remuneration is paid. Reports on the use of such works would need to be submitted to the authorized organization responsible for collecting and distributing funds.
The bill also suggests that the government should compile a list of copyright holders who have made their content inaccessible in the territory of Russia.
In the spring of 2022, several foreign streaming platforms, including Netflix, suspended their activities in Russia, resulting in a surge in the use of pirate video services.
Market participants argue that this bill, along with other measures, indicates the state’s effort to combat piracy. Amendments to the Civil Code were recently adopted by the State Duma, allowing multiple violations of the rights of copyright holders to be treated as one, leading to general compensation. Market participants fear that such measures could further encourage the growth of pirate resources.
The Media-Communication Union proposes several amendments to the bill. They suggest eliminating the intermediate organization responsible for fund collection and allowing Russian licensees to determine the availability of works if a license agreement has already been established with the foreign copyright holder.
In addition, the Union recommends granting access to content based on the licensed agreements in effect on February 24, 2022.
It is worth noting that the Federation Council Committee