MPAA Chairman And CEO Charles Rivkin Champions Creativity And Accountability At Austrian EU Presidency Conference
Keynote address charts a path for collaboration and effective policies to defend intellectual property across Europe
Vienna, Austria – Speaking before 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 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 recognizing 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 like 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 recognize 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.
Rivkin’s full remarks as prepared can be found here.
About the MPAA
The Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA) serves as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries from its offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Its members include: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; Paramount Pictures Corporation; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Universal City Studios LLC; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
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For more information, contact:
MPAA Washington, D.C.
Kaelan Hollon
202-421-4921
Kaelan_hollon@motionpictures.org