Title: Online debate and transposition of the European Copyright Directive into French law

Authors: Genevieve Vidal

Addresses: Universite Paris 13, LabSic UFR des Sciences de la Communication, 99 Avenue Jean-Baptiste Clement, 93430 Villetaneuse, France

Abstract: The Copyleft_Attitude e-mail discussion list proved able to muster support and post sharp analytical commentary in a bid to affect debate on the transposition into French law of the European Copyright Directive. This stems from mastery of organisational skills, information technology and the internet. Postings ranged from moderate to extremist in defence of author rights, personal copies, free software and free art licences. Moreover, the experience of crisis response has served to hone the debating, organisational and teaching skills that members need to square off against the cultural and information technology industries. Finally, the list enabled active members to take a collective critical stance on a topical issue over the internet.

Keywords: Copyleft_Attitude; European Copyright Directive; French law; DADVSI; debate; discussion list; EUCD; France; free software; Free Art License; FAL; online activism; vote; European Union; electronic governance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2008.017906

International Journal of Electronic Governance, 2008 Vol.1 No.2, pp.231 - 239

Published online: 22 Apr 2008 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article