The global voice for consumers La voix des Consommateurs à travers le monde La voz global para la defensa de los consumidores

Country report for India for CI Regional Meeting on A2K NIRMALA DESIKAN TRUSTEE CONSUMERS ASSOCIATION OF INDIA,CHENNAI February 2009

Summary of issues of concern to consumers in [India] Cost and availability of learning materials The availability varies according to Urban-Rural divide. The cost is high due to paper and printing cost. Copyright material for libraries supplied by publishers. Libraries purchase copyright materials and allow members to borrow Books from public domain and Creative commons are less. Locks on access and DRM are prevalent Copying for commercial purpose is prohibited legally but not effectively. Black and grey markets present Content is now available in many local languages.

India’s intellectual property regime INDIA has signed 7 Treaties including WTO & TRIPS – Implementation of these agreements is not effective. Legal process is very slow – India has signed bilateral trade agreements on IP with several countries. These are more effective. However these bilateral agreements are not good for consumers. They are favourable for developed countries and unfavourable for underdeveloped countries. – Yes, INDIA has had a continuous appearance in the US 301 Watch list. – Not much awareness of IP alternatives such as open source and Creative Commons licensing although it is talked about

Other communications rights in [INDIA] – Only mails involving national security are monitored and censored – No filters for internet access – Privacy and data protection laws do exist It is for a 5 year term – Government policy not very encouraging for open standards

Access to the Internet in [India] – Penetration of broadband, More in urban areas and less in rural areas. – Penetration of mobile services is better and will improve with G3 – Laws or policies that impact on Internet access such as cyber crime and pornography are available. There are no restrictions on Internet access. Counterfeiting is rampant as there are loopholes in the law – Awareness has to be created among consumers

Conclusions Joined CI's Global Consumer Dialogue on A2K issues to get to know what is happening in other countries in this area and to improve our service to consumers consumers will be able to assert their rights for access to knowledge and ensure their voice is heard. How do you propose to contribute to our activities?  Will encourage participation of consumers in Blogs and online  discussion forums.  Will do research to study the A2K issues in India.  Will share information with member countries of CI 

Conclusions How can CI help you? By providing us both technical and financial support to carry out the survey to create awareness and participation through online discussion forums and blogs By recommending that consumer organisations should be given an “observer” status on various committees involved in policy decisions.

Nirmala Desikan Trustee, Consumers Association of India