In an effort to curb piracy, The California School Library Association and the Internet Keep Safe Coalition have developed a draft for an anti-piracy curriculum for elementary students. The Center for Copyright and Infringement, whose board members are executives for companies like the RIAA, MPAA, Verizon, Comcast, and A&T, initially requested for the anti-piracy curriculum.

The purpose of one activity targeted at 6th graders is “to help students identify creators and collaborators. To help students understand copyright guidelines and consequences”. The wrap-up then proceeds to summarize the overarching message to the students:

“There are serious consequences for illegally sharing, using, or copying others work. These consequences are financial (fines, loss of job); technological (viruses, malware); academic (failing grade, suspension); and even emotional (finding work used in unauthorized ways); in addition, using others’ work without permission prevents the creation of more art.

If you understand and respect copyright and creative commons, you can protect artists, and responsibly contribute your own art to the community”

With piracy already being a contentious topic, this initiative will undoubtedly face resistance from the public. Indoctrinating children to prevent the free distribution of ideas could have serious consequences in developing creativity. The curriculum will be pilot tested later this year, so stay tuned.

Original story from Wired

What are your thoughts on the anti-piracy curriculum that could potentially be implemented in Californian elementary schools?