From the usefulness of visual recognition tools to enforce copyright

Towards more effectiveness of copyright law on online content sharing platforms : overview of content recognition tools and possible ways forward

A recent government report in France has analysed how digital tools may be used for the The protection of intellectual property rights on online sharing platforms. It’s a must read in the context of the implementation of the EU Copyright Directive and of Art. 17.

The “rapport Mochon” covers all the aspects of VRT in the context of the implementation of Art.17 of the EU copyright Directive. The Report describes existing content recognition tools for all types of content, including images, examines its present use and probable evolution within the implementation of Art. 17. It concludes that Art.17 will provide greater transparency in the use of these technologies as well as more fairness in the treatment between rights holders. In particular the visual sector will catch up on other sectors.

After noting on page 34 that “content recognition technology [in the field of images] exists] but is not widely used by online platforms dedicated to images such as Flickr, Instagram etc.” the Report points to the change of paradigm brought about by Art. 17 (part 3) It acknowledges some challenges in the visual sector which will need to catch up on other sectors.

Relevant for CEPIC, the report mentions on page 40 how the association against piracy, ALPA, is using the Blue Efficience technology to take down video content on behalf of their (smaller) players and has passed an agreement with Google.

 Link to the French version of the Report

 Link to the English version of the Report