DIGITALLY FIT

A consultation has been launched by the government to ensure the UK’s copyright laws are fit for the digital age. Proposals include greater freedom for consumers to legally transfer music or films, eg between CDs and an MP3 player, and changes to enable schools and universities to make the most of digital technologies and encourage distance learning. Plans to allow libraries and archives to use technology to preserve valuable material before it deteriorates or the format it is stored on becomes obsolete are also outlined, as is a new exception for parody. The consultation paper and details of the recommendations can be viewed at www.ipo.gov.uk.