Legal, Ethical, and Societal Issues in Media and Information

UNIT 6

  • Legal, Ethical, and Societal Issues in Media and Information
    • Understanding the impact of laws and ethics in media

Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs)

  • MELC 7: Present an issue in varied ways using media codes, conventions, and language.
  • MELC 8: Apply knowledge of intellectual property, copyright, and fair use in practical situations.
  • MELC 9: Create a campaign ad addressing issues like digital divide, addiction, and bullying.

Freedom and Responsibility

  • Free Speech: The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights states:

"Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression…"

  • Importance of practicing free speech ethically, respecting diverse cultures.
  • Laws in the Philippines protecting free speech and ethical responsibilities include:
    • Freedom of Information Bill
    • Fair Use Policy
    • Copyright Law
    • Intellectual Property Code

Intellectual Property (IP)

  • Definition: Refers to creations of the mind (inventions, literary/artistic works, designs, symbols).
  • Types of Intellectual Property:
    1. Copyright: Legal term granting creators exclusive rights to their works.
    2. Patent: Exclusive right for inventors to control use of their inventions.
    3. Trademarks: Signs distinguishing goods/services of one enterprise from another.
    4. Industrial Design: Aesthetic aspect of an article including shapes, patterns, colors.
    5. Geographical Indications: Signs linked to the geographical origin of goods.
  • What is Covered: Protects all original works of authorship including:
    • Literary works, films, TV programs, art, software, maps, etc.
  • Limitations: Does not protect ideas, concepts, facts, or legal texts.
  • Duration: Typically lasts for the author's life + 50 years.
  • Registration: Automatic upon creation but offers benefits like proof of ownership.
  • Rights Included:
    • Economic Rights: Include reproduction, adaptation, distribution, rental rights, public display, and communication.
    • Moral Rights: Protect creator's personal and reputational interests, including attribution and integrity rights.

Copyright Ownership

  • Employee vs Employer: Rights depend on whether the work was done in the scope of employment.
  • Joint Ownership: In audiovisual works, copyright is shared among various contributors.

Current Issues in Copyright Law

  • Social Media Impact: Affects self-expression and content creation.
  • Challenges: Copyright infringement, piracy, and censorship issues.
  • Regulatory Agencies:
    • MTRCB: Regulates TV and films.
    • OMB: Optical Media Board enforces copyright.
    • IPOPHIL: Protects IP and grants patents.

Fair Use Guidelines

  • Allows reproduction of copyrighted materials under certain conditions:
    • Commentary, criticism, reporting, research, and teaching.
  • Key points:
    • Majority of content must be original.
    • Credit copyright holders.
    • No commercial profit from copyrighted works.

Digital Citizenship

  • Definition: Responsible technology use; promotes safety, security, and effective participation online.
  • The Digital Divide: Disparity in access and ability to use technology across different groups.

Responsible Netsmanship and Netiquette

  • Core Rules of Netiquette:
    1. Remember the human.
    2. Adhere to online behavior standards.
    3. Know your location in cyberspace.
    4. Respect others’ time and bandwidth.
    5. Present yourself well online.
    6. Share expert knowledge and be polite.
    7. Manage flame wars.
    8. Respect privacy.
    9. Use power responsibly.
    10. Forgive others’ mistakes.

Cyberbullying

  • Definition: Using digital platforms to harass or harm others.
  • Forms:
    • Harassment, impersonation, doxxing, exclusion, trolling, outing.
  • Prevention Strategies:
    • Think before posting, set privacy settings, document evidence, and report incidents.

Internet Addiction

  • Definition: Impulsive control problem related to excessive internet use.
  • Signs:
    • Time neglect, anxiety without internet, deceptive behavior about usage.
  • Overcoming Strategies: Set time limits, create schedules, engage in offline activities, and seek support.

Plagiarism**

  • Definition: Using another person's work without attribution.
  • Types of Plagiarism:
    • The Ghost Writer, The Photocopy, The Potluck Paper, The Self-Stealer, etc.

Media Plagiarism**

  • Includes unauthorized use of images, videos, and music without permission or attribution.