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MinCom upholds proposed alternative to Russian “internet tax”

According to RBC Internet companies at the meeting in MinCom considered the idea of single registry of rights in content for its usage in internet. Among the participants at the meeting were internet companies, right holders and representatives of Mincom and Ministry of economic development. There was no representative of Ministry of culture who did not only uphold the Russian “internet tax” but also formulate it in writing. Participants decided to develop idea in working groups and make from this idea a draft law.

Few words about registry – some kind of data base where the right holders can list their content and available online rights therein. In order to get in to this registry rights holder must apply and pass verification. After verification right holder has opportunity to place its entire catalogue or only part thereof in order to make it available for use online by “third persons”. Thanks to this registry potential users of content will have opportunity to apply directly to right holder for permission to use selected content. On its page in base right holder can publish public offer – anyone who signs it receives licence permitting certain use of content in internet.

Participants agreed that the registration in base must be voluntary for right holders. But they have no common opinion whether this registry must be state. Also there were proposed three models of payment for content. Under first model user pays directly to the right holder through the special form in “digital catalogue”. Second model involves intermediary, who will transmit user’s moneys to right holder. Under third model right holder choose collective management organisation and receives money from it.

Right holders, whose content have been placed to this registry, can block illegal copies of this content in internet without court order. Who could manage this registry? Ministry of Culture, MinCom, Roskomnadzor, accredited collecting society or state organisation established for these purposes. But the main question is without the answer – who must pay for such convenience? MinCom believes right holders should take responsibility for financing of registry. Right holders believe the state must take such responsibility.