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Saturday, September 24, 2005
OMB exec warns Ilonggos against piracy
By Kathy Villalon Cinco
AN executive of the Optical Media Board (OMB) urged Ilonggos to use licensed software.
"The Philippines is famous for piracy. Apart from piracy, we have been counterfeiting a lot of things. So, if we comply with using licensed software, among others, our reputation will improve. This way, we could attract more investments," said OMB executive director Victoria Benedicto on an interview over Aksyon Radyo last Thursday.
Monitoring
Benedicto admitted that the OMB, with the help of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), would soon check establishments in Iloilo City if they were complying with the Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code or the Republic Act 9239 or the Optical Media Act. Both laws cover the use of computer software.
The OMB cracks down on computer discs and even unlicensed CD writers.
Software
All software comes with a license agreement that specifically states the terms and conditions under which the software may be legally used.
Licenses vary from program to program and may authorize as few as one computer or individual to use the software or as many as several hundred network users to share the application across the system.
It is important to read and understand the license accompanying the application to ensure that one has enough legal copies of the software for the organization's needs.
Making additional copies, or loading the software onto more than one machine, may violate copyright law and be considered piracy.
Targets
Benedicto said that corporations and other businesses would be the primary targets of the check as these are the ones that are likely profiting from the use of unlicensed software.
"Profiting from the use of unlicensed software is stealing from the developers of said programs," Benedicto said.
She also urged the Church, government offices, schools, and hospitals to comply although the latter will be given less priority.
As regards the government, Benedicto said that the OMB will meet with the League of Cities on September 27 and talk about what they can do to legalize the LGUs' software.
Close Shop
Iloilo City Internet Cafe and Provider Association (Icicpa) President Manuel Monarca admitted they're at fault for installing unlicensed software.
"But, if we were required to comply immediately, some business would close shop," he said.
He said that for every computer, almost P100,000 will be spent on several licensed software.
"Since I have 25 computers, that would mean that I'll spend close to a million for licensed software alone," he said.
Monarca also expressed concern on the kids' burden of paying expensive computer rentals on the kids.
"This is their only opportunity to access the Internet and advanced technology. In our case, if we strictly implement this law, then most of us will close shop," he added.
Monarca said that he and some business are trying their best to comply with the requirements, but requested for enough time to do so completely.
"We will appeal with the Microsoft office to extend the period of inspection," he added.
Alternative
Meanwhile, Benedicto admitted that she couldn't decide on the proposed extension.
"This is something that we have to discuss with the copyright owners first. But we believe that if you keep giving us excuses like that, the software will never be legalized," she said.
Benedicto advised instead internet café operators to change the programs of their computers into freeware or shareware, which are available in the internet or if possible use Linux.
Shareware is a copyrighted software that is available free of charge on a trial basis, usually with the condition that users pay a fee for continued use and support.
Freeware is a computer software, which is made available free of charge.
Typically freeware is distributed without a source code.
Freeware usually carries a license that permits redistribution but may have other restrictions, such as limitations on its commercial use.
Sometimes the license can be as simple as saying the program may be freely copied, but never sold.
"You can opt not to install Microsoft Office, for example, on computers that are used for games," she suggested.
Microsoft Office is a software that has to be licensed.
Benedicto also gave assurance that some program developers, like Microsoft Windows, are offering OPM programs at a discounted price.
She also said that the developers of games like Ragnarok and Level Up would release programs that run in Linux by 2006. "This way, the kids will have freedom to play using the Internet," she said.
Interests
Benedicto said that the OMB is continually getting feedback and is feeding these to the copyright owners.
"We have to balance the interest of the public and that of the copyright owners," she said.
Process
Before the OMB and the NBI inspects an establishment, Benedicto said, they would secure the necessary documentation.
"We are bound by rules of due process. So, we will get a warrant and inspection orders, among others," she said.
A representative of the owner of the software will also be present during the inspection.
"So, if your program isn't licensed, it's best that you erase it and install a licensed one," she said. (KVC with reports from Lory Ann Bilbao)
(September 23, 2005 issue)
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