MPAA’s Rivkin champions creativity and accountability
October 8, 2018
By Colin Mann
In a keynote address delivered to leaders from multiple countries at the Austrian EU Presidency Conference hosted by the Federal Chancellery of Austria, Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin has highlighted how greater online accountability is fundamental to a safe, thriving digital ecosystem that supports creativity and innovation.
“The Internet has become too integral and powerful in our lives to continue believing that there is – somehow – a moral line separating it from the norms of every other part of our society. It is time for accountability,” said Rivkin. “In many ways, Europe has led the way in recognising the urgency of online accountability.”
One example, online piracy, Rivkin warned, is an ever-present threat to the creative economy and puts the more than 12 million European jobs reliant upon the creative content sector at risk. He cited cooperative efforts to reduce piracy, such as the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment, a global coalition that features European creative companies such as Constantin Film, Canal Plus and Sky.
As the EU considers important policy questions about copyright and online business practices, Rivkin called for zero tolerance of illegal activity and effective implementation of existing, common-sense laws.
“For our stories to continue to inspire and inform global audiences, we need the right framework and support. We need policies that recognise the power of our stories, reward creators and their business partners, and allow us to produce, distribute, and protect the creative content that audiences love,” Rivkin concluded.