Creative Commons

When researching, exploring, and discovering new ideas, images, art and music on the Internet one can easily forget about copyright laws due to the infinite possibilities available.  Currently copyright law gives all rights to the creator of the idea, song, written word, or image the instant it is created.  When this copyright is imposed it legally protects the creator/ innovator of the idea from being used with out permission ( All rights reserved).  

The Internet is supposed to be considered a gateway of democracy, free thought and free access but with current copyright laws it is easy to break the law without realizing it.  So what is the solution for people that want to be able to share their artwork, ideas, music...etc.   Currently the Fair Use clause allows for some copyrighted material to be used by the press, educators, and individuals to some degree without consent of the owner of the copyright but it does not grant free access to all material.  

Now a non profit organization called Creative Commons is working to re work the current ideas of copyright law to adapt to the way in which information, ideas, entertainment...etc. are being exchanged.  The idea behind Creative Commons is to expand current copy right laws and be a complement to copyright but allow people and businesses free access within a different set of copyright rules.  For example:  you are a musician that makes music, you then put it on a website and allow people to download your music, all your music currently is instrumental only without vocals,  and someone downloads your music then re records it with vocals.  With current copyright laws the individual that re recorded your music without permission to add vocals is breaking the law. However with creative commons you the artists can create a license that allows an individual to re record your music with out direct permission because the license allows you to dictate what can be done with your music where as current copyright laws are absolute.  This concept of expanding copyright licenses to include access without permission because permission is already granted is an innovative way of allowing collaboration among cultures, people, ideas and educators on the internet. 

 Some companies have already attempted to find a solution to copyright laws.  The internet image data base getty images  allows the option using "royalty free" images from there database of images as well as stock images that would require payment to use the copyright license.  Creative commons is trying to take the same ideas of "public domain" and apply them to an ever expanding internet database which can include a variety of different materials. 

As someone who has a great interest in film, music and art this new idea can have a relatively large impact on how the web can be used to collaborate and allow access within the law of copyright.  This gives control back to the individual in how our creations, artwork, and ideas are used by others.  The future of art, music, and independent creation now has a door open on the internet and I personally look forward to see how this can change the way we learn, create, innovate, and bring about change.  

Internet: Censorship and Fee speech

The Internet is a powerful tool for people to communicate as well as cell phones and other new technologies. Lately news media outlets have focused on a fight for free speech specifically in China.  Google has joined the fight for Chinese citizens by not conforming to requests by the Chinese government to filter content that is considered to be illegal in China.  As google takes a stand it raises questions about how the Internet and other technologies can be used as a vessel for democracy and help oppressed nations achieve change as well as here in the US. 

The Chinese government has been heavily criticized by human rights activists and free speech activists for its continual regulation on free speech.  A recent article in the nytimes.com brought about the discussion that not only  has China tried to crack down on Internet consumption of its citizens but has even gone as far as to screen text messages and other personal messages for content in an effort to control the forms of communication that are being used. (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/20/world/20text.html?ref=todayspaper)

The question is with these new technologies being used as a vessel of democratic thought and ideas is it even possible to keep the world from communicating and sharing ideas?  The term "netizens" stands for citizens that actively use the Internets capabilities and  social forums to pursue and promote free speech as well as open access. This concept is newly developing the idea that we can participate in ways to promote social change and awareness using the Internet as a tool to do so.

In countries that try to oppress the open access free speech availability offered by new technologies, a growing tech savvy and aware population is able to get around these obstacles.  The demand for freedom of speech is so great that although the attempt is made to suppress information and ideas it is not successful in shutting the world out from its citizens. We also see that here in the US and not just abroad that the internet can be used to promote change and social awareness.  During the Obama campaign part of the success of generating funds for the candidacy was done with an efficient web based promotion of his candidacy.  Many have attributed his successful campaign to become President of the United States in part due to his new way of using the Internet to campaign.  It was easy to find out what his platform and agenda was as well as  an opportunity to donate with just one click. 

Now more than ever it is important to explore how democracy and the idea of democracy is increasingly gaining strength as technologies help communications become available on a global scale.  It is also equally as important to preserve the free access and freedom of speech that is provided by these technologies.