Copyright and licences

This is the partial competence 3.3 in the competence area 3 “Digital content creation” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria.

What is it about?

The competence area includes knowledge about the validity of copyright and licences (e.g. “Creative Commons”) for digital content, data and information. It also includes the ability to apply this knowledge correctly when using digital content or to take it into account when creating such content.

What does it mean in practice?

Just because texts, images, graphics, etc., are easy to find and freely accessible on the internet, they do not belong to anyone and can therefore not be used as desired for their own purposes. The person who created the content is referred to as the author and is usually also the owner of the work. A work providing a minimum degree of individuality and originality is referred to as a person’s intellectual creation and is thus automatically protected by copyright. Only the author may distribute, sell, lend and make the work accessible. Using a work without the author’s consent and the content not being openly licensed, one commits copyright infringement and is liable to prosecution.

Why is that important?

Copyright law protects the (intellectual) property of individuals. Digitally competent people should therefore be aware of the legal situation and be able to deal properly with works created by others on the internet. This also includes the correct handling of openly licensed material. If you create content yourself and make it public, knowledge about your own rights as an author as well as the opportunities of licensing your own work is essential.

Where can I continue learning?

On the homepage of fit4internet, you will find further background information on the Digital Competence Framework for Austria under the heading “Understanding”. In the section “Learning”, you will find learning offers to increase your digital competence.