Equitable compensation SIAE: here are the increased rates

The rates for the so-called fair compensation of SIAE have seen an adjustment: they have been increased. Here are the details and the consequences for the hi-tech sector.

Let’s talk again aboutfair SIAE compensationand this time with a confirmation that is causing controversy: the new tariffs have in fact been establishedand it has become clear that they have been increased compared to the past.
The last adjustment dates back to 2009, and therefore the entire tariff schedule has been revised, with the promulgation of a decree that will be valid for the next three years.
The Minister of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism, Dario Franceschini, announced all the news regarding the private copying levy, also stating that with this measure “the right of authors and artists to fair remuneration for their creative activities is guaranteed, without burdening consumers”.
However, it has been pointed out in many quarters that an increase in tariffs for fair compensation will very likely also lead to an increase in the prices of tablets, smartphones, and other similar devices.
Franceschini points out that “The decree does not provide for any automatic increase in selling prices. Moreover, as is well known, smartphones and tablets are largely sold at a fixed price” and also “Talking about a tax on mobile phones is fallacious and instrumental: the decree does not introduce any new tax but merely redefines and updates the tariffs that manufacturers of technological devices will have to pay (as a flat-rate compensation for new products) to authors and artists for the authorization of personal use reproduction of musical and audiovisual works downloaded from the web”.
These are thenew tariffs for fair SIAE compensation, as communicated by the MiBACT Press Office:

• 700 MB CD: 0.10 euros;
• 4.7 GB DVD: 0.20 euros;
• 4 GB Memory Card: 0.36 euros;
• 4 GB USB Stick: 0.40 euros;
• 16 GB Smartphone: 4 euros;
• 1 GB Mobile Phone: 0.50 euros;
• 16 GB Tablet: 4 euros.

 

The same table compares the analogous taxes applied in France and Germany, countries where the amounts involved appear to be higher than in Italy.
However, this is not enough to quell the controversy, which has also been expressed on social networks.
While it is true that according to current legislation, manufacturers must pay the levy required by copyright law, it is clear that consumers fear that – as often happens – these fees will actually fall on the buyer who, for the same multimedia product chosen, will now have to consider a hypothetical price increase.
Direct feedback is awaited, the only kind that can account for any changes: the market and the stores where these multimedia media can be purchased will have the final say.

Pubblicato in Business