SXSW Files: Protection of Content

As the emergence of different platforms continues to facilitate the way people distribute and expose their content, there is an increasing need to know the legal issues and laws involved. During SXSW, attendance goers had the opportunity to choose from numerous panels. Among these panels offered to independent filmmakers, members of the press, and even lawyers, it was the Production for Emerging Platformswhich clearly focused on the legal issues of music, film and emerging technology industries.

The panelists, who are lawyers, informed the audience of the various legal aspects found with using the internet, specifically through the use of social media.

Among the diverse social media discussed, YouTube was mentioned and coined as a "double edge sword". They described a scenario which commenced with how people are prone to posting videos on YouTube with the hopes of recognition. The moment they are known by the public and make a deal with a show, they wish to protect their content and get paid, and for that matter they prefer for no one to see their videos for free. This has been a struggle and YouTube has found itself at times in different legal battles due to what people can post on the internet, rather than just third parties posting movies, and TV shows.

Twitter was another social network mentioned throughout the panel regarding as to what content is protected. Twitter is a social media where people have the opportunity to express their thoughts or ideas. Yet, one of the highlights emphasized included how anything that is posted on Twitter is not copyrighted. Therefore, if you were to post your 140 character tweet, it is not your sole property. As a result, it was suggested to contemplate what you are about to post as well as being aware of the Terms of Service before agreeing to anything.

Ultimately, it is important to be aware of what you can post on the internet, especially in social media pages such as Facebook, MySpaceor Twitter.