[Linux-bruxelles] article du register : licenses 'obligatoires' en belgique ?

[Eric Hanuise]

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/11/12/belgian_politicians_want_computer_licences/

Belgians moot computer licensing
By Jan Libbenga
Published Friday 12th November 2004 11:47 GMT

Two Belgian politicians are pushing for a system of compulsory computer 
licenses to be introduced in Belgium, expat website Expatica reports. 
Socialist Valerie Deom and State Minister Philippe Monfils of the centre 
right Mouvement Reformateur party believe that by introducing computer 
licenses they can combat illegal copying of files.

The idea is to make computer licenses obligatory in much the same way as 
TV licenses are to ensure that creators of works that can be transmitted 
digitally (such as music, photographs and movies) do not lose out on 
royalty payments. Although details haven't been worked out, the license 
would be similar to a levy on blank CDs to compensate recording artists, 
composers and producers for royalties lost to piracy.

The Belgian parliament's economic affairs committee was set to discuss 
the new copyright plans this week, but the meeting was postponed when 
not enough committee members turned up. Lack of interest is not the only 
problem the two politicians face. Industry federations in Belgium 
strongly oppose licensing. Agoria, the federation of the new technology 
industries, believes licenses contradict efforts to simplify 
administration and e-government. ®


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