[holding answer 4 March 2010]: I have recently received a number of representations from photographers about Clause 42 of the Digital Economy Bill which covers the treatment of Orphan Works and Extended Licensing. Some of these have also referred to the question of attribution.
UK law provides certain “moral rights”, including that photographers and creators of other works may assert their right to be identified as the author when their work is used for certain purposes. There are, however, a number of exceptions including where a work is intended for use in a newspaper, magazine or similar periodical. I am aware that some photographers would like to see the law changed to require attribution in all cases.
As my Noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Postal Affairs and Employment Relations explained in the debates on the Digital Economy Bill, the Government have noted the concerns of creators (including photographers) and will be keeping the issue under review. The Strategic Advisory Board for Intellectual Property is already looking at the broader issue of moral rights.