Response

What is interesting to me is that the use of the new media for this purpose caught anyone by surprise. Examples of changing commons forms of media goes back at least to ancient Rome when politicians would counterfeit coins with unflattering images of the ruler. Another more recent example would be creation of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead using content from Hamlet. It only makes sense that as the means of producing this type material requires less expertise and the distribution is virtually free this style of expression would become more common.
While Meikle appropriately asks if this type of expression creates real activism that may be irrelevant when considering how entrenched power responds to it. It is unsurprising that nations like China and Iran seek to control this expression, usually resorting to blocking content that is unacceptable or even blocking entire communications systems. Italy presents an interesting case to keep a close eye on. It is expected that on February 4, 2010 the final step, approval by the cabinet, in an attempt to control content on the internet will occur. If it passes as expected individuals will not be allowed to post any form of video on the internet, viewable in Italy, without a license from the Italian Ministry of Communications. While Prime Minister Berlusconi, as the owner of the only private television network in Italy, has obvious personal financial interest in passing this measure it is perhaps notable that he has been the subject of much of the tactical media in Italy. Obviously this will be almost impossible to enforce under the current structure of the internet provision but will it lead to a China like control system appearing for the first time in a democracy?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZtkSONdbgI&feature=related