Category: IMI Position

Representation to TRAI regarding music piracy on websites ending with (dot)pk

IMI stated in its representation, the harm caused by websites ending with (dot)pk to the Indian recorded music industry. IMI further brought to the notice of TRAI that if these websites are not taken down, they have the potential of derailing the Digital Broadcasting Radio plans of the Government of India. IMI sought support from the TRAI’s Data Services Division to find a permanent solution against websites ending with (dot)pk which are a threat to the Indian recorded music Industry and given the power of digital broadcasting, have the potential to be a national security threat. The full representation be found here.

Representation to the Advertising Standards Council of India regarding advertisements on infringing websites

IMI stated in its representations to ASCI about the large number of websites hosting illegal content in India and the massive revenues earned by them through placement of ads on such websites. IMI stated, through facts and figures, that the rampant online piracy could be curbed significantly through the actions of brands, advertising agencies, advertising societies and councils to block advertisements on these websites. The full representation can be found here.

Representation to Pr. Advisor (B & CS), TRAI regarding the consultation paper on issues related to digital radio broadcasting

IMI, in its representation, extended its support to the Government of India’s commitment to developing the radio infrastructure in India. IMI stated that the record industry has a huge role in the success of radio broadcasters (and the broadcasters’ soaring revenues), however, the revenues from the broadcast of music for music rights owners are disproportionately low compared to the value of music rights to broadcasters. IMI highlighted the value gap prevalent in the industry, and stressed the need to close it. To close the value gap, IMI suggested that the government’s spectrum license fees should take into account that radio broadcasters are able to fairly remunerate the music owners. IMI elaborated on the licensing of radio stations by the recording industry and problems with the legal framework in India. IMI also discussed the impact of remuneration rights, statutory licensing and Copyright Tribunal rate-setting on the record music industry. The full representation can be read here.

Representation to the Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications on the Draft National Digital Communication Policy, 2018

IMI stated in its representation that the provision of internet coverage to all citizens should include adequate protection of copyright since contents are easily accessible on the web. Furthermore, when structuring the legal and regulatory frameworks for service/content providers , the interests of the different stakeholders should be balanced and a proper system should be in place for copyright holders to be fairly remunerated for the use of their creations. Additionally, IMI urged the government to provide financial and technical support to the creative industry to utilise digital platforms / infrastructure to create, promote, distribute and commercialise their works. Lastly, it was proposed that India would highly benefit from entering into the WIPO Internet Treaties as this would ensure reciprocal protection of the digital rights of the Indian creators by other members of the treaties. The full representation can be found here.