MACA Participates in the CISAC Asia-Pacific Committee and APMA Meeting and Speaks in the International Creators Seminar

(Mumbai and Jaipur, December 5 to 8, 2023) – The Asia-Pacific Committee Meeting, hosted by the International Confederation of Authors and Composers Societies (CISAC), is held from 5th to 8th December. Mr. João Gomes, the chairman of Macau Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers (MACA), together with more than 50 representatives from over 20 territories attended the meeting, jointly exchange the latest copyright legal system and policy research.

At the meeting, representatives of CISAC introduced the EU Copyright Directive. The advancement of digital technology has had a huge impact on the creation, access and distribution of online content. The development of the Internet has made the cost of copying, storing and sharing music-containing content greatly reduced, making it more convenient and faster. Therefore, for music users, digital modes have become the norm for enjoying entertainment, including streaming music videos, user-generated content, etc., which are challenging the scope of traditional copyright protection, and the boundaries between music creators and users are increasingly blurred. Therefore, the EU Copyright Directive is to coordinate the development of digital technology with the legal systems of various countries, and to achieve the greatest balance between copyright and national public policy objectives. Subsequently, representatives from various countries introduced the latest local copyright legal systems and policy research.

Mr. João Gomes, the chairman of MACA said that in recent years, the number of digital music platforms opened in Macau has continued to increase, and they provide increasingly rich music interactive functions. Therefore, the relevant legal system is very important to regulate music creators and music users. Through this meeting, we learned that the public policies adopted by governments of various countries to promote the copyright legal system are conducive to greatly improving local residents' awareness of law-abiding, joint respect for the law, and effective protection of copyright.

In addition, Mr. João Gomes, as a speaker, attended the International Creators Seminar hosted by the Asia Pacific Music Creators Alliance (APMA) on 5th December, to discuss with participants from various countries and regions about the impact of the development of artificial intelligence on the careers of music creators. Gomes said that artificial intelligence may be regarded as a threat, but it can also be an opportunity. The key lies in how to use it correctly. Not only do we need to establish a good legal system to protect copyright, but we also need creators and users to abide by these laws so that the cultural industry and music industry can develop in the long term.

Photo caption : MACA attended CISAC Asia-Pacific Committee Meeting

Photo caption : MACA speaks at the International Creators Seminar