IGF 2019 WS #221
Copyright and Digital inclusion in Emerging Markets

Organizer 1: Carlos Cortes, Linterna Verde

Speaker 1: Mariana Valente, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 2: Marcel Leonardi, Private Sector, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 3: John Weitzmann, Civil Society, Eastern European Group

Moderator

Carlos Cortes, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)

Online Moderator

Carlos Cortes, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)

Rapporteur

Carlos Cortes, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)

Format

Other - 60 Min
Format description: Taking into account the idea is to explore the possible impact of a regulatory framework in emerging markets, an ideal approach would be an interview format. The host will pose specific questions to the speakers, focusing on their field of knowledge and their assessment of the issues and challenges in the context of new settings. Hence, the format will not be a panel, as there will be no general introductory remarks, but a direct informed discussion around the key issues of the topic at hand. Also, this format will certainly leave time for participants to pose questions as well. Usually, panelists go beyond their time, leaving the audience with no space to interact.

Policy Question(s)

- How would the implementation of legislation similar to the EU copyright directive impact Latin America and other emerging markets?
- Is the European approach the best solution to the Latin American digital economy and other emerging markets, which are less developed and still pending to bring online big shares of the population?
- Would a EU directive-style legislation affect innovation and digital inclusion? In particular, would the ‘tax link’ and the ‘upload filter’ impact emerging projects and platforms?
- What tools, partnerships and models could enhance balance on copyright models, avoid creating legal frameworks that can hamper internet/innovation growth?

SDGs

GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
GOAL 10: Reduced Inequalities

Description: The session will explore specific issues around the EU copyright directive and its implementation challenges in new regiones. Among others, we will explore the following questions:
- How could the 'link tax' and 'upload filter' affect innovation in emerging markets?
- Could this measures affect digital inclusion, particularly the policies aimed at connecting more people in meaningful and participatory ways?
- Are stakeholders in emerging markets exploring ways of collaboration and work that could render such measures unnecessary?
- What are the specific tension points of the European regulation to take into account in new debates?

Expected Outcomes: - Follow-up recommendations for emerging markets.
- Engagement opportunities in upcoming IGF and stakeholder events.
- Agenda for civil society involvement in the debate in emerging markets.

The format will allow meaningful participation from the audience.

Relevance to Theme: The Latin American digital policy agenda is heavily influenced by the European experiences and regulatory approaches (see, for example, the Right to be Forgotten debate). Currently, the EU copyright directive is being framed by some stakeholders in the region as an ideal solution. However, there has been close to no debate about the impact that such regulation would have in the innovation and digital inclusion landscape in Latin America. In emerging digital markets and under-connected populations, copyright debates should take into account the uneven effects such solutions could have.

Relevance to Internet Governance: As Jovan Kurbalija explains, “the protection of knowledge and expression of ideas through IPR has become one of the predominant issues in the Internet governance debate, and has a strong development‑oriented component” (‘An Introduction to Internet Governance’). Intellectual Property rights have both been impacted by the Internet and affected the digital environment. Many decisions about copyright regulation are being held outside internet governance forums, preventing key issues from being discussed (digital inclusion, freedom of expression, and intermediaries, among others).

Online Participation

Usage of IGF Tool