Parliament Passes the Copyright Bill

The parliament has passed the Copyright Bill proposed by the government. The bill was moved by Nilandhoo MP Fatimath Sauda on behalf of the government.

The Committee on Economic Affairs presented the report on the Copyright and Other Related Rights Act Amendment Bill to parliament today, led by the committee chairman, MP Ali Fazad of Fuvamulah Central.

All 57 members who participated in the vote approved the bill, in line with the committee's recommendation to pass it.

In presenting the report on the bill's study, MP Fazad explained that the bill aims to clarify the copyright protection of works and other related rights under the Copyright and Other Related Rights Act. It also includes provisions for exemptions for individuals with special needs, specifies additional circumstances under which copyrighted works may be used, including exemptions for non-commercial research, and extends the period of copyright protection.

The amendment is also intended to address challenges in enforcing copyright rights. MP Fazad noted that the committee had engaged in extensive consultations with government officials while studying the bill.

The committee focused on ensuring the protection and safety of artists' works and facilitating their benefits. He also highlighted that the current law does not sufficiently protect modern technology and new resources, which is why the bill prioritizes these areas.