MSC FUTURE COMMUNICATION DISSERTATION
Andrew Geddes
In this age of digital freedom how can digital image ownership be determined while restoring the balance to copyright and thus helping consumers to act lawfully?
SUMMARY
The photographic world has been seized by a digital revolution bringing many advantages, but also significant disadvantages too. Without physical negatives, how do you establish the ownership of an image?
With the proliferation of the home computer and digital imaging software, many people are using professional copyrighted images illegally because they have no comprehension of copyright or how it affects them. Conversely many photographic shops are refusing to print amateur photographs for fear that they might be professional copyrighted images which could result in a lawsuit.
I attribute this misuse of images to lack of information, lack of understanding and deliberate unauthorised use. This project addresses the first two aspects, developing a means of helping people to act lawfully.
I spoke with two established photographers who were happy to fill in questionnaires, but unfortunately the intellectual property expert I contacted did not respond. I also circulated questionnaires around two photography shops and used the feedback to develop a visual representation of a new Photographic Rights Awareness (PRA) system.
The system is of two parts. Firstly once an image's license has expired, the PRA logo slowly fades into the image. This hinders further commercial use while acting as a reminder that the image is copyright protected. The second part is a window with three sections. An information screen displays extensive copyright details allowing the user to contact the photographer. The second screen offers licensing options, while the third is a help section which is designed to aid users in understanding how copyright affects them personally, while answering some frequently asked questions. Through education and awareness I aim to help consumers to act legally.
While acknowledging some potential technical problems, my system offers a feasible means of helping society to develop legally within the framework of the current copyright system.
PDF VERSION
For your convenience a PDF version of the dissertation is available for download by clicking on the link below.
This PDF is identical to the bound version submitted to the University of Ulster and available upon request from the university library.
Please do not distribute the PDF or this CD without written permission.
CONTACT
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