Silvio Berlusconi’s government has been a controversial one. To say the least. But its latest innovation is one which will directly affect online video Web sites and ISPs. Some regulation is obviously necessary, but what is being proposed goes too far.
Online Video Matures
Online video has matured over the last few years, by quite a lot. It was only a short few years ago when YouTube was a pretty lawless place, with copyrighted content being uploaded left, right, and center, and very few checks and balances to stop it appearing.
But those checks and balances are now in place, and the Google-owned YouTube now plays pretty much by the rules. As does every other legitimate online video offering.
But the Italian government doesn’t think it’s enough.
A Different Beast
Online video in all its different forms cannot be compared to and treated the same as traditional broadcast TV. It’s a different beast, and the Internet makes the whole thing a completely different prospect for all parties concerned, from content providers to regulators.
Unfortunately, the current Italian government doesn’t see things that way, and is attempting to push new rules into law which will see online video regulated, with Internet Service Providers asked to act as policemen.
Berlusconi’s Baloney
According to Bloomberg, the Italian government passed rules in December that are set to become law on Jan. 27. Assuming opposition parties fail to stop the change occurring, Italy’s communications regulator would suddenly gain extra control over any Web site which stream video on a regular basis.
Italy’s ISPs would be expected to remove any content the regulator deems illegal or face huge fines.
As Dario Denni, head of the Italian Association of Internet Providers, said in an interview:
“It’s like holding the company that maintains the highways responsible for what the drivers do. It doesn’t make sense.”
Conclusions
I’m guessing the fact that Berlusconi is the Rupert Murdoch of Italy has at least something to do with this. He controls Mediaset SpA, the largest private TV broadcaster in the country, which just happens to be suing YouTube for copyright infringement.
Still, it’s a potty idea that has no basis in a sensible and cohesive approach to online video.
