DEBATING THE DIGITAL ECONOMY ACT

Thursday 29 April
6:30pm: Doors & Bar
7:00pm: Event start
At: Lighthouse, 28 Kensington Street, Brighton
Entry: Free, but registration required: http://www.wiredsussex.com/dea



What does the Digital Economy Act mean for the digital, creative and cultural sectors?

Wired Sussex and Lighthouse are teaming up to stage a quick response event reacting to the controversial Digital Economy Act, which the Government passed into Law this April.  One week before the General Election, this is your opportunity to talk about how the Act is going to impact on you.

Supporters of the Act say it strikes "the right balance between giving creative artists more protection and giving consumers a fair deal" (Ben Bradshaw, 8 April), whilst opponents say that it is "an attack on everyone's right to communicate, work and gain an education." (Open Rights Group, 9 April).

The debate will be chaired by Anthony Lilley, the BAFTA winning chief executive of Magic Lantern productions, who also acts as advisor on matters digital to many leading organisations.  Anthony will be joined by some of Brighton's digerati recently acknowledged in Wired magazine's Top 100.

This is a free event open to all, but registration is required. Refreshments can be purchased at the Lighthouse bar.

Speakers:
- Anthony Lilley (OBE), chief executive of Magic Lantern - chair
- Jeremy Keith - musician & director at Clearleft - named in Wired's Top 100
- Matt Adams - artist, Blast Theory - named in Wired's Top 100
- James McCarthy - director, The Werks, workspace
- Nik Butler - social networker and opinioneer

More information & registration: http://www.wiredsussex.com/dea

About the Digital Economy Act:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Economy_Act_2010
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/pda/2010/apr/08/digital-economy-bill-quick-guide-45-measures

Reactions to the Act:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2010/apr/08/digital-economy-bill-reactions
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/8608478.stm