Govt includes Internet broadcasting under Copyright Act

Government has decided to include Internet broadcasting under the purview of the Copyright Act, a move that will benefit the music entertainment industry.
Under the earlier provisions, 'broadcasting organisations' mainly covered raido and television.
"The provisions of section 31D (of the Copyright Act, 1957) are not restricted to radio and television broadcasting organisations only, but cover Internet broadcasting organisations also," the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) said in an office memorandum.
It said representations have been received from various stakeholders as to whether the Internet broadcasting companies come under the purview of statutory licensing as per the provisions of Section 31D of the Act.

This section talks about statutory licence for broadcasting of literary and musical works and sound recording.
"These representations were examined in consultation with ministries/departments concerned," it said.