ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the dominant discourse in copyright enforcement legislation, particularly at the EU level, namely that of threat piracy poses numerous serious threats, not only to the economy through a loss of revenue due to infringement, but through associations with other more serious forms of crime. The chapter is dedicated to expanding upon the divisions in discourse, between those actors and academics who perceive copyright as posing a threat, and digital piracy having negative economic impacts, and those who feel that these associations have largely been constructed and the negative impact of digital piracy not yet proved. It then considers the legislative process of the Information Society and Enforcement Directives, demonstrating the ability of entertainment industry representatives to effectively frame the discourse at the European level through the provision of information and expertise, strong connections to the Commission and European Parliament. Finally it demonstrates how this discourse of intermediary responsibility has developed in a networked fashion.
