Berlin - German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke out in favour of stronger online copyright protection during a weekly video address Saturday, days before she is to open the Frankfurt book fair. "It is clear to the federal government: copyright law must also find its place in the internet. This is why we oppose books being scanned without any copyright protection, as Google does," Merkel said in her video podcast.
The government would work to protect German authors, Merkel said, adding, "I think we need to internationally discuss ways to protect intellectual property and still make use of the new technical possibilities."
Last month, EU commissioners and Charlie McCreevy spoke in favour of adopting US regulations on the digital conversion of books.
This would involve the creation of an EU-wide register to gather information about copyright owners and distribute profits made through books posted on the internet.
Such a "Book Rights Registry" is to be set up in the US, to link the internet company Google and authors whose books it places online.
Merkel's comments came just days before she is due to open the annual Frankfurt book fair, where China is this year's guest country.
The chancellor spoke of the opportunities offered by the world's largest book fair which begins October 14.
"This is a unique chance for China to present the richness of its culture and literature," Merkel said.
Merkel added that she expected controversial discussions about freedom of expression in China.
"In my conversations with Chinese representatives I will make it clear that freedom of expression is not a threat but an opportunity. At least, that is our experience in Germany," Merkel said.
