Copyright laws to cover internet, digital world

India will bring its copyright laws in line with international standards in internet and digital technology, providing for stringent punishment up to two years imprisonment for violation. A Bill to amend the Copyright Act was introduced in the Rajya Sabha by HRD Minister Kapil Sibal.

In order to extend protection of copyright material in India over digital networks such as internet and other computer networks related to literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, films and sound recordings, the existing Act is being amended to harmonise it with global treaties, he said.

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Internet Treaty and WIPO Performances of Phonograms Treaty (WPPT) have set the international standards in digital technologies, it said.

"The main object to make amendments to the Act is that in the knowledge society in which we live today, it is imperative to encourage creativity for promotion of culture of enterprise and innovation...," Sibal said introducing the Bill.

"Any person who circumvents an effective technological measure applied for the purpose of protecting any of the rights... With the intention of infringing such rights, shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to two years and shall also be liable to fine," a provision in the Bill says.

The Bill also has a provision to provide for physically challenged persons to access copyright materials in specialised formats.