Whatever would the Daily Mail say about teen downloaders?
Had an interesting lunch with Will Davies of teh IPPR, a think-tank here in the UK.
The IPPR is working on a “Digital Manifesto for Britain” (for release ahead of the general election next year). He posed the interesting, open question about a digital culture clash that’s surely on the way, but which is best described by imagining the newspaper headlines.
Specifically, what would/will be the Daily Mail’s reaction if/when a young teenager (13, 14) living in (say) Sevenoaks gets sued by the UK record industry for illegally downloading stuff through P2P networks?
Will he be depicted as an evil pirate? Or will it be vicious corporate bosses crushing innocent kids? The choice tells you a lot about how we regard intellectual property, and especially “disembodied” IP such as digital music.
Comments welcome. Even from Daily Mail news editors.
- These posts might be related (the database thinks..):
- Hey, where did the Daily Mail post go from Community Care's blog? (26 September 2007; score: 62.1%)
- To whom this email may not concern (14 July 2004; score: 51.76%)
- John Naughton and the urban myths (25 May 2007; score: 48.01%)
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August 24th, 2004 at 5:31 pm
That’s easy. The Mail will come down firmly on the side of the media owners, law and order. The fact that this will let it demonise teenagers (especially ones connected to the Evilnet) until the cows goose-step home is merely a bonus.
Anything that can stir fear, uncertainty and suspicion in the hearts of its readership is meat and drink to that wonderful publication.
Wasn’t it hiring a science correspondent a while ago? Has that post been filled?
R
August 24th, 2004 at 5:42 pm
I’d not be so certain how the Mail will come down - after all, it’s got lots and lots of readers whose children will be doing the same. Perhaps it’ll manage the neat side-step of blaming the computers.
As for the science job - seems like Robin Yapp is doing it just now. Still, there’s always a spot for a technology corresp if anyone (else) wants it.