National Information Policy developments worldwide IV: copyright,Freedom of Information and data protection

Abstract

This paper reviews recent developments in three areas of law that affect National Information Policies - copyright, Freedom of Information, and data protection. In the case of copyright, the roles of international agencies such as WIPO and the World Trade Organization, and of the European Union only are considered. These are the bodies that have most influence on developments in the law of copyright worldwide. In the case of the other legal areas, significant developments in major countries in the world are considered. The problems caused by the differences between the USA and the EU approaches to data protection are highlighted, and examples of good practice in Freedom of Information and data protection legislation are highlighted.

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