Survey highlights massive opposition to web licence scheme

London, 15 March 2011 - 91% of respondents oppose the NLA Ltd's proposal to introduce a web end user licence according to the largest survey to date soliciting opinion on the scheme. The licence would be required by any individuals who forward or receive links to articles on newspaper websites as part of their work. 

The PRCA, which, along with Meltwater, is currently challenging the proposed licence in the Court of Appeal and the Copyright Tribunal, believes that the licence threatens the fundamental principles of the Internet for all users. 

Richard Ellis, PRCA communications director said “The PRCA supports collection schemes that are well constructed and fair, but we believe that this scheme is neither.  

“The implication of this scheme is that anyone reading an unrestricted website or sending a hyperlink will require content owner permission to do so, and will be at risk of infringement proceedings if they do not obtain that permission.

“Content owners must be allowed to monetise their content but in doing so they must not be allowed to compromise the way the rest of us use the Internet. Since the web was invented, it has been universally accepted that information made available on the Internet without access controls has been intended for reading. This principle has resulted in the Internet being a source of economic growth, scientific advancement and social development.”

Survey methodology:

  • The survey, conducted by the PRCA, was sent to over 18,000 individuals with PR or marketing communications responsibilities including all PRCA members.
  • The survey was also promoted via twitter to generate as many responses as possible.
  • 5 responses were removed as the answers were invalid leaving a total of 439 responses.
  • 11 media publishers responded to the survey along with 203 agency respondents, 177 in-house respondents and 48 respondents who wouldn't categorise themselves in any of the previous categories.

Key findings of the survey

  • Support for the NLA's proposals was under 2%
  • Opposition to the proposal was 75% rising to 91% among those who say that they understand the NLA's proposal.
  • Among the media publishers themselves (sample of 11 in this survey) support for the scheme is only 45%.
  • Awareness and understanding of the scheme was higher among PRCA members and Meltwater clients than among those who aren't involved with either organisation.
To download a summary of the results, please click here To download a summary of the results, please click here
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