In the US, the $2.3 trillion spending and relief package is expected to be voted on, and likely passed, as soon as sometime today. But along with giving taxpayers a stimulus package to assist citizens during this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, it also looks to have some major ramifications to copyright laws.
While much of the US awaits an upcoming stimulus package that has been long discussed, the same bill that puts the package into place would work to resolve copyright infringement claims. If creative works are shared online without permission, the copyright holders of that content could be awarded up to $30,000. DMCA claims have resulted in lifetime Twitter bans this year--the new laws would expand the rights of the owners of intellectual properties and result in much harsher punishments.
Many pieces of legislation in the U.S. are put together as an omnibus bill, which means that there are a myriad of diverse and often unrelated proposed laws put together in one package. Usually, one aspect of the bill is pushed to the forefront from a media perspective, while other aspects are bundled in the bill and can often go unnoticed by the general public (even if they are still very much open and available to view). In the case of the bill that may be passed very soon, it is highlighted by the $600 stimulus package, but also comes with proponents of the CASE Act (which could add to the copyright issues on Twitch, for example).
The CASE Act being seemingly snuck into the stimulus package and spending bill is something that many have taken exception to. While the bill is being fronted as a citizen-friendly package, the CARE-based elements could end up hurting those same individuals who are simply sharing memes, creating TikToks, or streaming video games.
One nonprofit advocacy named Fight for the Future is in the front of the line in terms of making its voice heard about this new bill. Evan Greer, the deputy director of the advocacy group that focuses on copyright legislation and online privacy causes, believes that it is "absurd that lawmakers included these provisions (CASE Act issues) in a must-pass spending bill."
Video games have been an outlet during COVID-19 and the difficulties of 2020. While the pandemic has been stressful, many have gone to relaxing games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Stardew Valley to destress. Many others enjoy streaming, or viewing their favorite content creators. It certainly seems unfortunate that a bill that is designed to relieve some of the difficulties of the pandemic comes with something that could also add new stresses to the world of streaming and content sharing.
Source: The Verge