Defend 'freedom of panorama'
A recent proposal attempting to harmonize Europe's copyright laws has stirred up fresh controversy because copyright law in several EU countries does not enshrine freedom of panorama for photography in public places.
As a college student bicycling around Europe in the summer of 1980, I visited the (deserted) grounds of the Expo '58 World's Fair in Belgium. On a very drab and misty day I snapped this routine tourist shot. (The tiny figure of my trip partner Tom can be seen below the lowest sphere.) That I might be violating some law by posting this photo seems profoundly absurd to me.
The right to photograph in public places is a cornerstone of free speech. Photographs are often simply personal expression; but they also may be commentary or satire on the state of the world, or may expose wrongs (as has happened all too often recently in this country, documenting abusive police). This is a democratic freedom deserving the strongest protection. An attempt to control copyright in a widely-visible structure for the possible profit of its owner cannot overrule the right to free speech.
I hope the European Parliament comes to the right decision about this.
Defend 'freedom of panorama'
A recent proposal attempting to harmonize Europe's copyright laws has stirred up fresh controversy because copyright law in several EU countries does not enshrine freedom of panorama for photography in public places.
As a college student bicycling around Europe in the summer of 1980, I visited the (deserted) grounds of the Expo '58 World's Fair in Belgium. On a very drab and misty day I snapped this routine tourist shot. (The tiny figure of my trip partner Tom can be seen below the lowest sphere.) That I might be violating some law by posting this photo seems profoundly absurd to me.
The right to photograph in public places is a cornerstone of free speech. Photographs are often simply personal expression; but they also may be commentary or satire on the state of the world, or may expose wrongs (as has happened all too often recently in this country, documenting abusive police). This is a democratic freedom deserving the strongest protection. An attempt to control copyright in a widely-visible structure for the possible profit of its owner cannot overrule the right to free speech.
I hope the European Parliament comes to the right decision about this.