The story wasn’t about individuals on Facebook, MySpace, or in blogs influencing the drafting of legislation, but rather how they were able to prevent it from being introduced.
Prior to this chapter of Canada’s ongoing copyright protection saga, government officials had signalled they were about to introduce legislation, rumoured to be ratifying specific WIPO treaties. However the bill’s specifics were not shared with those concerned and naturally, the lack of information lead stakeholders to draw their own conclusions on what it would or wouldn’t entail.
Through a number of social media outlets, the ringleaders against potential copyright measures were able to quickly generate a flood of negative press and even mobilize a protest at the office of the government Minister who is responsible for copyright. The coverage forced the government to withhold the tabling of legislation and rethink its strategy.
Gauging reaction to the potential bill, it was obvious that views of all stakeholders had not been properly presented to the Minister. In addition to formal hearings and written submissions, elected officials and government bureaucrats need to put resources into more collaborate consultations. Future generations will demand government use these types of tools.
Here are links to some of the coverage the issue garnered:
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