Vivendi

Rob Wells, Senior Vice President Digital, Universal Music Group International (ASDR 2008)

« Universal Music Group International takes very seriously the protection of minors in the digital space. We have adopted and monitored a policy to assure this protection both in terms of personal data handled by the company, and in terms of responsible marketing. In addition, our ongoing conversations with business partners, particularly Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and other online gatekeepers, are always mindful of this important goal: a safer Internet environment for all. Filesharing services and P2P networks are havens not only for illegal content and copyright-infringing activity, but also for pornography. A simple search for an artist’s name –for example, Britney Spears– on Limewire illustrates how many of the returned results are for pornographic material. Consider that in the context of children innocently looking for their favourite artists on the worldwide web. So, by engaging directly with ISPs and operators, Universal Music supports legitimate services which not only compete with piracy, but which also offer a better alternative – and one which contributes to a safer online environment. »