The Legislative Council is set to resume its second reading on the controversial Copyright (Amendment) Bill 2014 next Wednesday amid controversies. Critics fear the legislature would curb freedom of speech on the internet as memes or user generated content (ugc) could fall under criminal offence.
The bill, publically known as “Internet Article 23” for its controversy and allusion to internet censorship, was first introduced in 2011 to regulate potentially copyrighted content on all electronic media as a means to promote copyrights and halt content piracy.
However, user generated content and derivative work, such as covering songs, alteration of lyrics, or live streaming of games, are not exempted and could be liable for criminal offences.
Popular memes that circulate on the internet regularly could also be banned and criminalised under the proposed Act.
The second reading has alarmed the online creative community, fearing the proposed Act would curb their freedom of speech. Some see it as a means from the government to silence dissidence as alleged plagiarism could be criminally liable.
A number of online artists have posted their concerns on the legislation on their social media accounts, and advocating for the bill to be abolished.
Several activist groups have also started a petition against bill.
The government insisted that the bill is not intended to undermine freedom of speech. In 2013 the bill was amended to include a number of exemptions – such as parody, satire, caricature, pastiche, or commenting on current events – in the principle of fair dealing.
Chief Executive CY Leung has called for the bill to be passed in a public speech, saying the legislation would strengthen Hong Kong’s guarantee on intellectual property and its stakeholders.
Photo: Wikipedia
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