The internet has fundamentally changed the management of culture and how society deals with information. Anyone can copy and distribute content from all over the world, whether with or without permission. Any unauthorised use of content infringes the rights of the various parties involved. If there is a reduction in misuse, everyone benefits, which is why combating piracy is the main objective of the revision to the Copyright Act.

The measures for fighting piracy are directed against anyone who illegally makes content accessible. However, the principle that consumers are not to be prosecuted for using illegal offers is to be continued. This means, for example, that they will still be permitted to download a piece of music that has been made available on the internet for their own private use, without the permission of the rights holder.

Digitalisation provides completely new opportunities for dealing with culture and knowledge. For example, libraries would like to be able to offer short excerpts from films or music pieces which are in their collections, thus making searches easier and more attractive. In addition to the anti-piracy measures, the draft act also contains reforms that adapt copyright law to technological developments. In so doing, the Federal Council wants to take advantage of the opportunities offered by digitalisation in copyright law.

• Fighting piracy efficiently
• Using the opportunities offered by digitalisation
• Other key points of the draft act