#361 Mayoral strife, tax changes and Disney unbound
Jan 5, 2024
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The podcast delves into the race to be Mayor of London, controversial social media activity, tax changes for eBay sellers, Disney's copyright expiration, and Disney's disappointing year. They also discuss upcoming literary works entering the public domain and imagine the possibilities.
London mayoral race criticized due to candidate's controversial social media activity.
New tax laws aim to improve tax compliance and combat tax evasion on digital platforms.
Deep dives
London Mayoral Candidate Susan Hall Compared to Donald Trump
Susan Hall, the Conservative candidate for the London mayoral election, has faced criticism and comparisons to Donald Trump due to her social media activity. She liked tweets praising Enoch Powell, retweeted far-right figures like Katie Hopkins, and made controversial comments about Jewish people. While some argue that Hall's policies, such as addressing tube fare evasion and criticizing the current mayor, have merit, others question her suitability for the role due to her association with divisive and potentially extremist views.
New Tax Regulations for Online Platforms
As of January 2023, digital platforms such as eBay and Airbnb are required to collect additional information about sellers and share it with HMRC. While the new rules don't change the tax itself, they aim to improve tax compliance and detect potential tax evasion. It's important to note that individuals who sell personal items or make occasional sales are generally not affected, but those intentionally trading and making profits may be subject to taxation. The change in regulations is part of global efforts to combat tax evasion and ensure fair taxation of income derived from digital platforms.
The Unveiling of Public Domain Creation
January 1st marks Public Domain Day, when various artistic creations enter the public domain, allowing them to be freely used, adapted, and shared. This year, the copyright on the original Mickey Mouse from the 1928 cartoon 'Steamboat Willie' has expired in the U.S., granting the public access to the earliest versions of the iconic character. While newer iterations of Mickey Mouse remain protected, this development opens up opportunities for creative reinterpretations and adaptations. Other notable works entering the public domain include Virginia Woolf's 'Orlando' and classic films like 'All Quiet on the Western Front.' The expiration of copyright enables greater freedom of expression and creativity.
Reflecting on Disney's Challenges and Copyright Protection
Disney, which has been facing challenges and lackluster performance in recent years, has celebrated its centenary year amidst a series of box office flops and strong competition from rival studios. While Mickey Mouse, particularly the original version from 'Steamboat Willie,' has entered the public domain, allowing for potential adaptations and reinterpretations, Disney remains highly protective of its more recent versions of the character. The expiration of copyright on 'Steamboat Willie' raises questions about the balance of copyright protection and the public's access to and interpretation of beloved characters. It also highlights the ongoing importance of copyright laws and the financial implications for companies like Disney.
Why is the race to be Mayor of London so fractious? Will new tax laws snare unsuspecting eBayers? And what will we do with the first copyright-free Disney cartoon? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Harriet Marsden, Guy Anker and Rebekah Evans
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