US Film Industry (Also) Likes Democrats’ Platform On IP And Internet Freedom

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) today said that it is “extremely pleased” with the presidential election platform of the Democratic Party, echoing praise the music industry group gave last week to the rival Republican Party.

Former Democratic Senator Chris Dodd, chairman and CEO of MPAA, said in a statement: “I am extremely pleased that the Democratic Party’s platform language reinforces the critical importance of protecting America’s intellectual property while ensuring the free flow of information on the Internet.”

“The Internet is a nearly unparalleled source of creativity and innovation, not just in the entertainment community, but across nearly every sector of the U.S. economy,” Dodd said. “Protecting that source of creativity, as well as protecting the rights of the people behind that creativity, is integral not just to our economy, but to who we are as a nation.”

President Obama, a Democrat, is fighting for re-election. The election is on 6 November.

MPAA’s support for either party platform suggests that there is not much difference in the positions, and that both appear to favour copyright holder interests.

“Through their platform language, both parties have now clearly stated that protecting the free flow of information on the Internet and protecting American innovators are not mutually exclusive goals – and that in fact, they are equally critical,” Dodd said. “That kind of insightful approach to this 21st century challenge from both parties is encouraging, and I look forward to continuing to work with everyone who is invested in these issues to develop meaningful solutions to protect an Internet that works for everyone.”

Dodd had praised the Republican platform during their convention last week (IPW, US Policy, 30 August 2012).