Information Ministry stresses commitment to copyrights

Manama, Feb. 5 (BNA): Information Affairs Ministry has seized more than 100,000 illegal works, as well as three websites that receive and decrypt encrypted channels for subscribers, as part of its intensified campaigns to combat the piracy of computer software and audio-visual works. The Information Affairs Ministry's Mass Media Directorate said that it had carried out 713 inspection and awareness-raising tours on activities covered by Decree-Law 47/2002 Decree-Law 47/2002 regarding the Organisation of the Press, Printing and Publishing, and Law 22/2006, amended by Law 12/2008 on the Protection of Copyright and Neighboring Rights. A total of 124 violations have been found, and more than 100,000 illegal works have been confiscated, the directorate said, adding that seven cases have been referred to the Public Prosecution and administrative procedures have been taken regarding 60 complaints filed by OSN company on Copyright infringement of its channels. Such measures are within the framework of the kingdom's commitment to international conventions and laws regulating them, as well as its keenness to protect the market and society from counterfeit and indecent works which are incompatible with the teachings of the Islamic religion and the ethics of Bahraini society, the directorate also said. It also indicated that it is regularly following up and coordinating with the competent authorities to combat the phenomenon of street vendors who sell counterfeit and indecent films in local markets and tourist areas, confiscate the seized items and refer violators to the Public Prosecution. The Information Affairs Ministry also underlined its commitment to laws and international copyright conventions ratified by the kingdom, noting that the concerted efforts of ministries and government departments, including the Interior Ministry, the Public Prosecution, Customs Affairs and Municipalities, have resulted in destroying 132.922 counterfeit items, in line with the laws in force. The campaigns aim to clamp down on the phenomenon of electronic piracy that affects society, especially youngsters, negatively, the directorate said, noting that the majority of destroyed items are incompatible with the Bahraini society's traditions and morals. It called for the need to provide the original items and works to consolidate the kingdom's status regarding the protection of intellectual property rights. The Ministry stressed that similar campaigns will continue to combat alien and negative practices, and protect society from all kinds of publications that are incompatible with traditions and spark sedition. Meanwhile, the Information Affairs Ministry said that it had allowed 91,963 titles (Two million copies) from abroad and 310 local ones in 2016. It had also approved the content of 376 films, allowed the entry of 13,866 imported audio-visual works and finalised the procedures of 1652 media and commercial works. The Information Affairs Ministry affirmed its constant keenness to protect the Bahraini society and its fundamentals, as well as to protect the culture of copyright respect.