2 May 2023
In reference to the news story by Kate Beioley and Jim Pickard, “New digital regulator to tackle Big Tech” (Report, April 24), I very much hope that the UK’s first digital markets, competition and consumers bill will set a global standard for addressing the challenges that new technologies present on all fronts.
One under-recognised problem created by the growing power of the tech industry has been the slow but steady erosion of the livelihoods of visual artists.
The internet makes use of the work of artists such as members of the Design and Artists Collecting Society, which I chair.
However the Big Tech companies have so far proved reluctant to protect or pay for the intellectual property they take. The same frequently applies to the work of musicians and writers too.
If one aim of the legislation is to sustain innovation while protecting against negative externalities, then it is critical that tech companies support a thriving ecosystem for freelancers and creators. The UK should join with 41 countries around the world that use funds from a levy on sales of electronic devices to invest in their creators, performers and communities.
The incorporation into legislation of our proposed smart fund would bring in up to £300mn a year, to be dispersed to artists around the country whenever their works are copied and stored on digital devices.
It would finally address the injustice of an artist’s work being used — but not paid for.
It is our belief that the smart fund could enhance the tech sector’s capabilities and reputation, providing a valuable, visible way for it to become a good citizen.
Margaret Heffernan Chair, Design and Artists Copyright Society, London E2, UK
For more information, please contact communications@dacs.org.uk
Article source: https://www.ft.com/content/b960ec2f-8d7f-4925-8e81-afed89e25410
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2 May 2023
In reference to the news story by Kate Beioley and Jim Pickard, “New digital regulator to tackle Big Tech” (Report, April 24), I very much hope that the UK’s first digital markets, competition and consumers bill will set a global standard for addressing the challenges that new technologies present on all fronts.
One under-recognised problem created by the growing power of the tech industry has been the slow but steady erosion of the livelihoods of visual artists.
The internet makes use of the work of artists such as members of the Design and Artists Collecting Society, which I chair.
However the Big Tech companies have so far proved reluctant to protect or pay for the intellectual property they take. The same frequently applies to the work of musicians and writers too.
If one aim of the legislation is to sustain innovation while protecting against negative externalities, then it is critical that tech companies support a thriving ecosystem for freelancers and creators. The UK should join with 41 countries around the world that use funds from a levy on sales of electronic devices to invest in their creators, performers and communities.
The incorporation into legislation of our proposed smart fund would bring in up to £300mn a year, to be dispersed to artists around the country whenever their works are copied and stored on digital devices.
It would finally address the injustice of an artist’s work being used — but not paid for.
It is our belief that the smart fund could enhance the tech sector’s capabilities and reputation, providing a valuable, visible way for it to become a good citizen.
Margaret Heffernan Chair, Design and Artists Copyright Society, London E2, UK
For more information, please contact communications@dacs.org.uk
Article source: https://www.ft.com/content/b960ec2f-8d7f-4925-8e81-afed89e25410