We can no longer trust a photograph to tell the truth … subjects of electronic images are going to seek more control over the use of their likeness … We must be able to share the decision of how the images and modifications are used.
Predictor: Branscomb, Anne Wells
Prediction, in context:In her 1994 book “Who Owns Information? From Privacy to Public Access,” Anne Wells Branscomb writes: ”It is too early to predict how the law will deal with electronic images. New electronic art forms are being generated every day on the frontiers of computer imaging, and they will continue to challenge lawyers to come up with new forms of protection to guarantee fair use, to prohibit misuse, and to assure adequate compensation. It is not too early to ascertain what the areas of concern will be. First, what do we call this new computerized digital landscape? We need a new name for an electronically created photograph … Electronic imaging seems to be emerging as the term of first choice, but perhaps an elision to electrage or computrage will emerge. Second … it is clear that the result of all this technological ferment is that we can no longer trust a photograph to tell the truth … Third, subjects of electronic images are going to seek more control over the use of their likeness … We must be able to share the decision of how the images and modifications are used. Fourth, what will be the rights of users of electronic images? Will society follow the video-image model and leave personal use acceptable but proscribe redistribution? How about parodies or cartoons? Will the purpose of the distribution determine the legal natuer of the publication or distribution? Will it be possible to make a copy and circulate it among friends? … But in today’s world of electronic bulletin boards, a copy can reach thousands of viewers.”
Biography:Anne Wells Branscomb, an expert in technology and the law, was the author of “Who Owns Information? From Privacy to Public Access” (Basic Books, 1994), and the 1995 Yale Law Journal article “Anonymity, Autonomy, and Accountability as Challenges to the First Amendment in Cyberspaces.” (Legislator/Politician/Lawyer.)
Date of prediction: January 1, 1994
Topic of prediction: Controversial Issues
Subtopic: Copyright/Intellectual Property/Plagiarism
Name of publication: Who Owns Information?
Title, headline, chapter name: Who Owns Your Image?
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Page 90
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Bricker, Erin E.