THE TAKING OF SOMEONE’S property without their consent is stealing and is usually abhorred by society. But, a significant number of Barbadians make the distinction between different types of property so that, for example, the theft of a farmer’s livestock is not treated in the same way as stealing a homeowner’s property.
Certainly, the theft of content protected by copyright appears not to be given much consideration at all and is seen in the persistent ways Barbadians have for many years sought to avoid paying for programme content, believing that they have a right to access other people’s works free of cost.
It is a recurring problem. The state-owned MultiChoice Television subscription service has had to battle people who believe that it is unfair and unjust to pay for the service. Many went to varying lengths to get the signal, including using the infamous Dreambox. Most were frustrated in the end after repeated signal scrambling and accepted that they should pay.
The outcry against Flow for taking action against people who violate copyright laws, in an effort to protect its commercial interests and to limit its legal liability, highlights the public belief that they have a right to free access to other people’s intellectual property.
The ability to access content via the Internet especially has encouraged many, who would otherwise not contemplate stealing, to become bold-faced thieves. It is not unusual to hear people who should know better boasting of having the latest device to try to circumvent the regulations. Of course, it is not only an issue with individuals, as last year the issue of some Caribbean cable operators themselves stealing signals was also shown to be a concern.
It is not surprising that the big players in the entertainment industry in North America have started to take a tough stand against those in this region who violate the copyright laws. These corporations are prepared to go after any and everyone and have pursued violators not only through technological means but have even enlisted the US State Department to pressure countries that fail to abide by the law. This issue is not simply one between private companies but also involves governments of this region.
The situation indicates that more must be done to sensitise the public on what is unacceptable and what will not be tolerated. The Copyright and Intellectual Property Office (CAIPO) has a duty to mount a public education campaign explaining the boundaries of the law and should have agencies such as COSCAP, the Telecommunications Division, the police and private businesses with a vested interest, such as Flow and Digicel, lending critical support.
This is not about assisting the powerful, wealthy companies of North America to retain their position against the “small man” in the Caribbean. It is recognition that local creators are also subjected to the same behaviour and without a strong system to protect their interests, they will never be able to grow. It is also about respect for the law.
Stealing is absolutely wrong. It does not matter if you steal a television, vegetables or someone’s copyrighted material.
