Information Society Watch

August 2007, Dalindyebo Shabalala, South Centre

This research paper analyses the implications of digital and Internet content policy for access to knowledge in developing countries and makes some initial recommendations. The paper recommends that the emerging digital content presents tremendous opportunities and the chance for developing countries to shape and implement development oriented copyright regimes. The paper also warns of extending protecting regimes which would only serve to benefit major rights-holder industries and would be of little or no benefit to developing countries. Specifically, the paper urges nations to resist from signing the TRIPS plus provisions on protection measures and implement existing exceptions and limitations in this regard . By bringing together several different strands of discussions and analyses ongoing at national and international levels, it aims to provide a direction for further research and policy analysis, by laying the groundwork and creating awareness of the relevance and scope of digital and internet content for developing country policymakers (Adapted from author).

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