Japan, EU Approach Web Video Regulation

Contrary to some claims reported in the media, the European Commission’s newly passed Audio-Visual Media Services regulation change does not include web video sites like YouTube and Joost, according to statements made by EC spokesperson Martin Salmayr to paidContent’s Robert Andrews. The regulations do relax some advertising restrictions, including product placement, for traditional television distribution in the European Union.

EU and JapanThat’s not to say that individual governments aren’t taking a harder line on rights protection, though, if a recent a crackdown on web sites and pay cable thieves in Spain is any indication. Still, “Most young Spaniards see nothing wrong at all in unauthorized downloading,” according to Variety.

On the other side of the world, Japan may ease its stance on rights clearance regulations for content in order to promote more internet video distribution.

The Japanese government’s Intellectual Property Rights Policy Work Group, led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, proposes that people distributing existing television content online will only be required to pay royalties after the fact, as opposed to the current policy of requiring that all stakeholders (and there can be many) in a particular program sign off in advance.

The final proposal is due May 31, and wouldn’t go into effect for at least two years according to Chris Tew at Web TV Wire. He suggests that the local television interests will oppose the measure and ask for qualifications including international access restrictions or DRM.

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