Legal, Ethical, and Societal Issues in Media and Information

MELC Overview:
- MELC 7: Present an issue in varied ways to disseminate information using the codes, conventions, and language of media.
- MELC 8: Cite practical situations for applying knowledge in intellectual property, copyright, and fair use guidelines.
- MELC 9: Create a campaign ad to combat the digital divide, addiction, and bullying.

Universal Right:
- Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, as affirmed by the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.
- This includes seeking, receiving, and imparting information through any media, irrespective of borders.
Ethical Practice of Free Speech:
- Free speech must be exercised ethically, showing respect for diverse cultures and ideologies.
- Philippine laws such as the Freedom of Information Bill, Fair Use Policy, and Copyright Law are in place to uphold rights while ensuring ethical responsibilities.

Definition:
- Intellectual Property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, and symbols used in commerce.
Types of Intellectual Property:
- Copyright: Protects original works of authorship (literature, films, artwork, etc.).
- Duration: Protects for the lifetime of the author plus 50 years after their death.
- Registration: not mandatory but beneficial for proof of ownership.
- Rights Included: Economic Rights (reproduction, adaptation, distribution, and more) and Moral Rights (attribution, integrity, modification).
- Patents: Exclusive rights granted for inventions, preventing others from using, making, or selling them without permission.
- Trademarks: Signs or symbols distinguishing goods/services of one business from others.
- Industrial Design: Protects the ornamental or aesthetic aspect of an article.
- Geographical Origin: Signs representing goods with specific geographical origins.

Fair Use allows certain reproduction of copyrighted works without permission for purposes such as commentary, criticism, research, and education.
Guidelines for Fair Use:
- Majority of content must be original.
- Credit to the copyright holder.
- Non-commercial use of the copyrighted work.

Definition:
- Digital Citizenship encompasses the norms and practices for using technology responsibly.
Aspects of Digital Citizenship:
- Understanding online safety, security, and ethical behavior.
- Responsible behavior includes respecting the privacy and rights of others.
Digital Divide:
- Refers to gaps in technology access and skills across social classes, businesses, and countries.

Definition:
- Digital platforms used to harass or intimidate individuals.
Forms of Cyberbullying:
- Harassment, impersonation, doxxing, exclusion, trolling, outing.
Prevention:
- Set strong privacy settings, block/report bullies, save evidence, and talk to trusted adults.

Definition:
- Impulsive control problem leading to excessive internet use.
Forms:
- Cybersex addiction, net compulsion, cyber-relationship addiction, information overload.
Signs:
- Anxiety when offline, neglecting responsibilities, lying about online habits.
Overcoming Strategies:
- Set time limits, engage in offline activities, seek support.

Definition:
- Using another's words or ideas without credit.
Types of Plagiarism:
- The Ghost Writer, The Photocopy, The Potluck Paper, etc.
Respect for Others:
- Proper citation for images, videos, and music used in work is essential to avoid plagiarism.

People's Desire for Change:
- Media serves as a vehicle for people's desires to create positive change in society.
Implications of Media Literacy:
- Strong media and information literacy skills contribute to better decision-making and enhanced participation in society.