A Decade Later-Content creation, access to open information | IGF 2023 WS #108

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The discussions centred around different aspects of internet and technology, emphasising the importance of considering users’ needs and desires when improving these areas. One major concern highlighted was the lack of access to high-quality connectivity, especially in underserved areas. It was noted that approximately 2.6 billion people are still without internet access and meaningful connectivity, which highlights the existence of a digital divide that needs to be addressed.

Mobile technologies, particularly smartphones, were identified as crucial devices for rural communities to access digital content and resources.

In Kyrgyzstan, for example, while there is limited access to computers, almost everyone uses smartphones. As a result, smartphone-friendly content, such as adjustable-font textbooks and lightweight videos, has been developed specifically for these communities, enabling them to access valuable information and educational materials.

The significance of localised content in the Kyrgyz language was also emphasised as an important factor in enhancing content accessibility and user-friendliness.

Local stars were mentioned for voicing translated science materials, making them more user-friendly than the original versions. Prioritising the Kyrgyz language in content creation is essential for tailoring resources to the needs of the local community.

Copyright restrictions were identified as a major obstacle to digitising and sharing educational resources, particularly in Kyrgyzstan.

While the Ministry of Education owns paid books, it does not hold the copyright, which belongs to the authors. Consequently, these copyright restrictions prevented the digitisation of existing textbooks for digital distribution, hindering the widespread dissemination of educational materials.

However, the utilisation of Creative Commons materials was recognised as a helpful solution in the absence of the ability to share copyrighted content.

Due to copyright restrictions, finding copyright-free Creative Commons materials that could be translated into the Kyrgyz language was easier. These materials were sourced from globally available resources such as GSMA’s toolkit and Microsoft’s materials, enabling the creation of accessible and valuable content.

The impact of technology on content creation and consumption was deemed an important issue.

The shift from the traditional library model of the internet to an entertainment model was discussed, highlighting the rapid technological advancements that consistently reshape the landscape every three to five years. The role of user-generated content and open-source platforms in shaping the market positively was also emphasised.

However, concerns were raised about the cannibalisation of editorial intermediaries by platform intermediaries, prompting further examination of these dynamics.

One participant in the discussions questioned whether there is a failure in democracy rather than the market in relation to platform intermediaries.

The critical role of platform intermediaries was stressed, along with speculation that these platforms may be contributing to the creation of social monads, potentially impacting societal dynamics.

The discussions also raised questions from the audience. One question addressed copyright rules on Instagram when uploading personal audio tracks to reels, indicating a concern about copyright infringement on social media platforms.

Another question raised the issue of educating youth about copyright best practices, highlighting the need for efforts to raise awareness and promote responsible behaviours regarding intellectual property rights.

In conclusion, the discussions provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities related to internet and technology.

Addressing the needs and desires of users, particularly in underserved areas, is crucial for improvement. The importance of mobile technologies and localised content in enhancing accessibility and user-friendliness was emphasised. Copyright restrictions posed obstacles to digitising and sharing educational resources, necessitating alternative solutions such as Creative Commons materials.

The impact of technology on content creation and consumption, including concerns about platform intermediaries, democracy, content quality, and economic sustainability, called for further examination. Overall, the discussions shed light on the complexities and multifaceted nature of internet and technology-related issues.

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In the last decade, the Internet has undergone a significant transformation due to the evolution of mobile phones and their convenience. Mobile telephony has surpassed traditional telephony, leading to a transformation of the Internet. With the introduction of mobile Internet devices, such as the iPhone, the Internet has evolved from a library to a thriving entertainment business.

This transformation has resulted in a booming global market of internet users, with billions of people now connected to the Internet.

The network infrastructure has been rebuilt using content distribution techniques, ensuring that content is readily available to users, making access to content more convenient than ever before.

However, despite these advancements, the Internet has not evolved into the egalitarian platform initially envisioned for content creation.

Instead of empowering individuals to become content publishers, the Internet has given rise to powerful intermediaries, such as Google and Akamai, who aggregate, license, and distribute content. These intermediaries dominate the industry by delivering uniform content to a global market.

The digital content industry is highly unpredictable and constantly reinvents itself every five years.

Rapid technological advancements render business plans quickly outdated. This fluid environment poses both challenges and opportunities for businesses in this industry.

It is important to note that the Internet was built as a market response rather than a universal service.

Unlike the telephone system, which prioritized universal service, the development of the Internet was driven by market demand. This approach has resulted in a focus on targeting higher-income consumers who are perceived as more lucrative for the tech industry.

However, there is hope for a more universal access to the Internet in the future.

Advancements in technology have made it cheaper and more accessible, potentially enabling broader internet access. Initiatives such as Starlink, which aims to provide high-speed connectivity to remote areas, are bridging the digital divide.

Other projects, like Project Kuiper, are also using space spectrum to provide internet coverage.

These projects, combined with technological innovations, have the potential to improve internet coverage in rural and remote areas.

The digital industry offers the ability to customize and diversify products and services within a larger ecosystem. Unlike traditional industries like the auto and telephone industries, which scaled through uniformity, the digital industry allows for personalized offerings to individual markets.

In conclusion, the evolution of mobile phones and their convenience have transformed the Internet and expanded its user base.

However, challenges remain in terms of content distribution and ensuring equal access for all. Technological advancements, initiatives like Starlink, and ongoing projects offer hope for bridging the digital divide and making the Internet more accessible to everyone. Additionally, the digital industry opens up opportunities for customization and diversity, creating a dynamic and fast-paced landscape.

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The internet has made significant advancements in handling video content over the past decade. Initially, there were only a few streaming services and video was primarily for thousands of viewers, not millions. However, as the demand for video content increased, more data was required.

Today, video over the internet is commonplace and does not require special permissions or setups. Additionally, live streaming capabilities have allowed people to broadcast their experiences in real-time, opening up a new frontier in video over the internet.

While video on demand has made progress, live video over the internet still has room for growth.

Examples of live broadcasting include sporting events or personal moments like a child’s soccer game. This indicates that there are opportunities for further development in this area.

The evolution of the internet has positively impacted the content creation and distribution industries.

It has become a platform for next-generation streaming, with the quality of video evolving from standard definition to high definition and now 4K. Improvements in codecs and network transports have increased efficiency and reduced latency, providing a better user experience.

Efforts have been made to bridge the North-South divide in internet infrastructure, but more improvement is needed.

The internet has been re-engineered to scale inclusively and allow diverse interactions for content creators.

The continuous evolution of internet technologies presents exciting opportunities and challenges. While investments in these technologies have resolved previously feared problems, new challenges such as latency have emerged.

However, innovation in IP networks and frameworks has allowed businesses to thrive and adapt.

The user base of the internet has expanded, shifting from primarily computer scientists to a wider spectrum of creators, viewers, and market participants. This evolution has changed who the internet is designed for and has led to market frameworks that encourage exchange and payment for content.

The internet has made content creation more accessible and affordable.

New tools, such as smartphone applications, have allowed for cinematic-quality video capture and processing, eliminating the need for expensive professional equipment.

Glenn Deen, one of the trustees managing the copyrights on all technical standards produced by the ITF, highlights pre-enabled translation permissions for ITF standards.

This supports the translation and free access to informational resources, aligning with the goals of quality education and reduced inequalities.

Overall, the internet has successfully scaled to handle video content and has positively impacted various industries. While live video broadcasting still has room to grow, the evolution of internet technologies presents both opportunities and challenges.

The user base has expanded, and market frameworks have emerged for content exchange and payment. Additionally, the internet has made content creation more accessible and innovations have facilitated the translation and free access to informational resources.

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The relationship between the internet and copyright has proven to be healthy and adaptable, despite occasional disputes. Both entities have managed to coexist and adapt in the evolving environment. Despite initial concerns that the internet would harm copyright, it has been demonstrated that they can work together.

Content creation has become more accessible to everyone, thanks to technological advancements.

Tools such as AI and augmented reality have opened up new possibilities for creators. User-generated content and influencer content are now integral parts of the copyright regime, which was once exclusive. This expansion of content creation has led to a more diverse and inclusive network.

Connectivity availability is a crucial factor in content creation.

In order to create content, individuals need access to the internet. The increasing availability of smartphones has made it easier for more people to create content due to improved internet access. However, there is still a significant digital divide that needs to be addressed, particularly in the Global South.

In order to foster more content creation in these regions, resilient networks and improved connectivity are necessary.

Industries and policymakers should take into account user demand and adapt accordingly. The evolution of technology and policy in the internet industry is largely driven by the demands and preferences of users.

It is essential to listen to these demands and innovate accordingly to meet the needs of users. This user-centric approach contributes to the overall development and success of the internet industry.

The market will ultimately determine the survival of streaming services.

Competition in the streaming industry is fierce, and the content offered plays a significant role in determining the success or failure of such services. Subscription service prices are also factors that influence the market. Some services may thrive and attract a large user base, while others may struggle to survive or even collapse quickly.

The capacity to support the content being sold is another critical factor in the long-term sustainability of streaming services.

In conclusion, the relationship between the internet and copyright is dynamic. Despite occasional tensions, both entities have managed to coexist and adapt together.

Technological advancements have made content creation more accessible, but connectivity still remains a challenge, particularly in the Global South. Taking into account user demand is crucial for industries and policymakers to stay relevant and meet the needs of users. Ultimately, the market will determine the survival of streaming services, with content and engineering playing a significant role in their success.

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The analysis of the arguments regarding copyright law and its impact on various industries reveals several key points. Firstly, copyright has adapted to technological advancements, allowing users unprecedented access to a wide range of content. Users now have the ability to access numerous fields of content, including music, sports events, user-generated content (UGC), and news.

While not everything is perfect, copyright has successfully evolved to keep pace with technology.

Secondly, the content creator industry is in better shape than it was a decade ago. However, there are differences between sectors such as music, press, video games, and others.

Despite these variations, the overall situation is more positive compared to ten years ago. The industry has experienced growth and improvement, suggesting that copyright protection has played a role in supporting the industry’s development.

Thirdly, copyright laws have evolved and become more flexible in recent years.

Many countries, including the US, Australia, UK, South Africa, and Nigeria, have made significant changes to their copyright norms. These changes reflect a recognition of the need to update copyright legislation to accommodate technological advancements and address the challenges posed by the digital landscape.

Furthermore, copyright has proven its ability to serve diverse initiatives such as open access, open-source licensing, and user-generated content.

This was seen as a challenge a decade ago, but it has now been demonstrated that copyright is flexible enough to support these initiatives. Platforms like TikTok, Meta, and Vista now enable legal user-generated content, despite disagreements over monetisation.

Another notable finding is that streaming, which was initially thought to destroy the music industry, now constitutes a significant part of the music market.

In 2013, streaming was seen as a threat, but currently, 63% of the music market is digital. This highlights the transformative impact of streaming and its role in reshaping the music industry.

The analysis also suggests that the North-South debate in terms of content creation and cultural production is outdated.

Countries in the Global South, including Brazil, Cuba, Indonesia, South Korea, and various African countries, are creating and exporting meaningful cultural and creative content. This challenges the traditional power dynamics of content production, showcasing the growth and diversity of creative industries in these regions.

Technology has played a crucial role in enabling access to local content, education, news, and serving the language diaspora.

People can now easily access top-notch content produced in their home countries, facilitated by advancements in technology and content accessibility.

It is highlighted that maintaining copyright protection is critical to incentivise investment in professionally created content. Without copyright, the investments made in producing high-budget films, video games, and paying journalist salaries would be undermined.

Copyright laws are also shown to play a significant role in safeguarding the sports and gaming industry.

As the industry has grown rapidly in the past decade, copyright laws have provided crucial control and protection for sports events, ensuring that the industry remains financially viable and sustainable.

Notably, there is a blurring demarcation between producer and distributor, with platforms like Netflix producing and distributing their own content.

This blurring of roles raises important questions about the relationship between creators, distributors, and consumers in the digital era.

The analysis also reveals the importance of engineers in operationalising business deals and implementing technological advancements. Engineers are crucial in managing complex tasks such as revenue sharing and user identification, which are essential for the success of digital enterprises.

Additionally, the analysis highlights the need to protect youth creators and their works from being exploited without their consent or attribution.

Copyright laws provide this protection, although effective enforcement relies on the use of appropriate technologies.

The analysis further demonstrates that user-generated content and derivative works are often covered and regulated by platforms’ terms of use. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Meta have practices in place to address copyright concerns and ensure compliance with copyright laws.

Another insightful finding is that translation of literature requires permission from the author, as translation becomes a derivative work that can be commercially exploited.

While some see translation as a financial opportunity, others emphasise its role in spreading knowledge and cultural exchange.

Regarding the issue of subscription fee stagnation versus increased content, it is highlighted that the current model may not be sustainable.

Digital media services have been offering more content while keeping subscription fees similar for over a decade. This raises questions about the long-term viability of this business model.

In conclusion, the analysis demonstrates that copyright law has evolved and adapted to technological advancements.

It has facilitated access to a wide range of content and has contributed to the growth and development of various industries. However, there are still challenges and areas for improvement. The findings highlight the need to continue updating copyright legislation, protecting the rights of creators, incentivising investment in professionally created content, and ensuring a fair and sustainable digital environment for all stakeholders.

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Over the past decade, the growth and success of internet video have been remarkable. Streaming services have become easily accessible, and live streaming has become possible, allowing people to share moments in real-time across great distances. This advancement in technology has made streaming video over the internet a common practice that can be done by anyone without needing permission or specialized equipment.

The management of IP rights has also witnessed significant progress over the past decade.

Initially, there were concerns about how IP rights would be managed in the digital age. However, efficient and effective collaboration among stakeholders has led to improved IP rights management. Stakeholders, who initially had conflicts, have come together to ensure the proper management of IP rights, leading to a positive outcome.

Copyright laws have successfully evolved with the internet and have adapted well to the digital revolution.

Many believed that copyright would not withstand the digital revolution, but it has proved its strength. Users now have unprecedented access to a wide range of content, and legislative reforms have taken place globally to adapt copyright to the digital landscape.

Copyright laws have succeeded in incentivizing the creation of content and ensuring access to it. The copyright system has not only withstood the digital revolution but has also contributed to the growth of user-generated content, open access, and streaming.

The shift in content creation over the past decade has been drastic.

Content is no longer a monolith, and everyone now has the ability to create content. The tools to create content have multiplied exponentially, including AI tools and augmented reality. This shift has resulted in a diverse range of content being produced and made available on the internet.

The relationship between the internet and copyright has been collaborative.

Despite initial concerns and challenges, the internet and copyright have managed to coexist and maintain a healthy relationship. Both have found ways to adapt and work together, ensuring the protection of intellectual property while allowing for the free flow and accessibility of content.

Efforts to improve the internet for efficient content creation and consumption have been ongoing.

Users now demand more interactive content, particularly video, which has led to the need for more efficient networks. The work on making the internet more efficient has been a priority in the past decade.

However, challenges still remain.

The digital divide continues to exist, with developing nations lacking the necessary infrastructure for widespread and quality internet access. Internet connectivity is a critical aspect of content creation, and without robust infrastructure, the global South struggles to effectively create and upload content to the internet.

The industry has seen rapid transformation due to technological advances.

The sports and gaming industries, in particular, have gained a wider global audience. The video games industry, in particular, has experienced significant growth, with revenue projections of over 200 billion US dollars this year. The success of these industries is closely tied to intellectual property rights, and their business models have shifted from hardware-based to online, global, interactive gaming.

Throughout the discussions, there was an emphasis on the role of first responders and engineers.

Their contributions to the industry were highly appreciated, and there were calls to give them more recognition and appreciation. Moreover, there were discussions about the need for more resilient networks in the Global South to support content creation and ensure equal access to the internet.

In conclusion, over the past decade, there have been significant advancements in internet video, IP rights management, and copyright laws.

The shift in content creation has been remarkable, with the internet and copyright successfully coexisting and adapting to changes in the digital landscape. Efforts to improve the efficiency of the internet for content creation and consumption have been ongoing. However, challenges such as the digital divide and the need for better copyright protection remain.

The industry has been transformed by technological advances, and the sports and gaming industries have gained a wider global audience. The contributions of first responders and engineers were highly appreciated, and there were calls for more resilient networks in the Global South.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the progress made in various aspects of the industry and the importance of continued collaboration and innovation.

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Young producers in certain areas of the global South have successfully accessed the copyright framework, enabling them to develop professional content and enhance the value of intellectual property within their companies. This has allowed them to fund employee payment and content development.

These young producers have mastered the necessary knowledge to support their activities in professional content production.

Local content creation in minority languages contributes significantly to cultural and linguistic diversity. Companies in Uganda, for example, create content in local languages that reflect people’s lives, ensuring representation and preventing the marginalisation or disappearance of these languages.

It highlights the importance of using local languages for content creation to maintain cultural and linguistic diversity.

However, there is a significant disparity between broadband pricing and the spending power of local people. This issue arises when locals exhaust their data bundles before finishing a series, indicating a problem with supply and demand adequacy.

Additionally, the quality and reliability of the signal pose challenges to accessing affordable and reliable broadband services. These factors limit digital access and create inequalities in internet access.

To address these challenges, it is necessary to continue deploying reliable infrastructure with a range of pricing options.

This ensures digital inclusion and equitable access to affordable and reliable broadband services. Expanding the infrastructure and offering different pricing options reduce the digital divide.

Content creators face the struggle of finding a sustainable model to continue their mission of educating and engaging people on various social issues.

If creators fail to find buyers in the streaming environment, they may experience market failure, leading to potential loss of valuable content.

The entry of large American streamers into some markets has triggered competition, providing content creators with more opportunities for funding.

Increased competition expands the market and offers content creators additional avenues for financial support. This positive development empowers creators to seek funding from a wider range of sources, leading to more diverse and varied content.

Believing in the potential of sustainable audiovisual production businesses at the SME level, it is acknowledged that local content creators can address different market segments based on the local cultural and socioeconomic factors.

This indicates the viability of building sustainable businesses in the audiovisual production industry, even at the SME level. By catering to specific local markets, content creators can create career tracks that align with the unique needs and interests of their target audience.

In conclusion, accessing the copyright framework and developing professional content allows young producers to build the value of intellectual property within their companies.

Local content creation in minority languages contributes to cultural and linguistic diversity. The mismatch between broadband pricing and the spending power of local people hinders digital inclusion. Continued efforts are required to deploy reliable infrastructure with affordable pricing options. Content creators strive to find sustainable models to continue their impactful work, and the presence of large American streamers triggers competition, expanding funding opportunities.

Building sustainable audiovisual production businesses at the SME level is seen as a promising avenue, offering the potential to address different market segments and create career tracks based on local cultural and socioeconomic factors.

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Device sharing has become a significant barrier to network access in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many households have been forced to share just one device due to limited resources, resulting in connectivity issues. Usage prioritisation within households further exacerbates the problem, as it determines who gets access to the device.

This unfortunate circumstance has had a negative impact on individuals’ ability to stay connected and engaged during these challenging times. The situation has hindered SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

In relation to copyright concerns, there is worry about the lack of recognition and credit for content created by young individuals and shared online.

Original content created by youth often becomes part of larger programs through algorithms, but the creators may not receive appropriate credit for their work. These issues raise concerns about intellectual property rights and the fair treatment of young content creators, undermining SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

While Japan’s influence on Southeast Asia’s copyright and intellectual property laws is neutral, it is important to acknowledge the impact Japan has had in shaping these laws, particularly in relation to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, an online presence has offered significant opportunities for connection.

However, there is growing concern regarding unethical practices such as the translation and monetisation of someone else’s intellectual content by digital natives. Some individuals take advantage of the online space by appropriating intellectual work without official approval. This unethical translation and monetisation of others’ content raises discussions about plagiarism, improper crediting, and fairness in the digital world.

These issues hinder SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

In conclusion, device sharing poses a major hurdle to network access in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerns about copyright and credit for content created by young individuals have emerged.

Japan’s influence on Southeast Asia’s copyright and intellectual property laws remains neutral but noteworthy. Additionally, unethical translation and monetisation of intellectual content by digital natives is a growing concern. Efforts are needed to address these issues, ensuring fair access to network resources, protecting intellectual property rights, and promoting ethical practices in the digital sphere.