Statement On The Release Of The Section 512 Report By The Copyright Office

Washington, DC – Internet Association Interim President & CEO Jon Berroya released the following statement on the release of the Section 512 Report by the U.S. Copyright Office:

“We’re living in a golden age of content thanks to online platforms and America’s balanced copyright system, including Section 512. Consumers have more ways to watch movies, listen to music, and read than ever before, and creators have even more ways to earn income.

“The report fails to recognize that Section 512, as it currently exists, is serving the copyright ecosystem well. The law fosters a balanced, innovation-oriented copyright system that protects the interests of an array of stakeholders, by providing rights holders, creators, internet companies, technology industries, and consumers helpful tools to protect their rights in an online environment. The report also doesn’t acknowledge Section 512’s impact on users, many of whom are creators themselves, or their equities in the internet ecosystem.

“IA member companies are content creators and host third party content. Thanks to the prudent balance struck by Section 512, IA members have been voluntarily collaborating with other content creators to protect intellectual property for many years and have every incentive to continue doing so.”