Freedom of Information- Where Do you Stand?

Globalization is the process of change, transformation and intercultural exchange. This process has open up the world to a plethora of opportunities and the rise of global content. Possibilities are limitless resulting in the regulation regarding the safekeeping and exchange of information undergoing strict conduct. But we must wonder, with the ongoing growth of information and forever expanding media platforms, can the content actually be controlled or ‘regulated?’

All information that is shared, uploaded, tweeted or blogged instantly undergoes global attention. Due to this- rules and regulations are put forward as a means of monitoring the right information for the right crowd. But who choses, what can and cannot be seen?

The constant back and forth of sending and receiving information has resulted in protection and stronger copyright laws and treaties to protect anticopying technology. An ‘information economy’ has been brought in. Journalist Cory Doctorow suggest that the thinking is simple: the economy is based on buying and selling information (Doctorow, C, 2007). Therefore, ultimately-policies are put forward to make it harder to access information unless you’ve paid for it.

Sound pretty straight forward right…

Well, as we continue to technically move forward, constant upgrades appear creating more and more IT advancements, making it easier to access any piece of information- for better or for worse. The use of search engines and downloading sites such as Pirate Bay, allow users to download a copy from the internet stress free.

The current social pressure for freedom of information can no longer be ignored- thus media industries continuously becomes overwhelmed between their personal rights license of copyright and the role of pirates. The copyright law allows for the protection of new ideas and innovations- this is a safeguard to give a piece of mind to creative businesses that their ideas will not be forged.

This ongoing battle between business and copyright pirates is something that will remain unresolved. For many, why should top money be paid when the same information can be downloaded for free, yet how can industries expect to get an income and protect their ideas, when there is no stable law put in place?

How right is copyright- well that depends on where you stand.