Billy Gil graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and has worked for People and Daily Variety. He is the editor of the Pipeline section and IndieFile, both of which highlight independent films on DVD. For IndieFile tips and inquiries, email bgil@questex.com. For inclusion on IndieFile's Feedroom channel, contact Renee Rosado (rrosado@questex.com). Follow IndieFile on Twitter, at Twitter.com/IndieFile.
IFTA Touts Copyright Alerts
7 Jul, 2011 By: Billy Gil
The Independent Film & Television Alliance and a coalition of its member companies join the chorus announcing “copyright alerts.”
The system is set to educate and notify Internet users when their accounts are identified as being misused for online content theft.
“It’s extremely gratifying to see the music and film industry — independents and majors alike — and ISPs unite in a time of crisis and work tirelessly together for a common goal,” said Jean Prewitt, IFTA president and CEO. “The only way to temper the spread of online content theft is by educating consumers about the problem and about the available legitimate sources of content. This voluntary program is unprecedented, and we are eager to see the positive effects for independent companies and the industry overall.”
Rob Friedman, co-chairman and CEO of Summit Entertainment, an IFTA-member company, echoed the statement.
“Content theft continues to be a threat to our business both here and abroad,” he said. “Initiatives such as a common framework for ‘copyright alerts’ are a positive step toward both curbing the efforts of online content theft and educating consumers as to how their online accounts can be used by thieves to further their illegal activities.”
It remains to be seen how these alerts actually work — which peer-to-peer operators they target — and if they'll eventually go after illegal streaming, which they currently won't.
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