Sunday, March 15, 2009

Google opposes proposed New Zealand copyright legislation regulating ISP's

According to a report in "Business Day" of Stuff.co.nz, Google is opposed to the proposed copyright legislation regulating ISP's in New Zealand:

Google opposes new copyright law
By TOM PULLAR-STRECKER - The Dominion Post

Google has voiced its opposition to a controversial law change that would force internet service providers to cut off "repeat copyright infringers, in appropriate circumstances".

In a submission to the Telecommunications Carriers Forum, an industry body, Google said section 92a of the Copyright Act would undermine the "incredible social and economic benefits" of the internet and was disproportionate to the problem it aimed to address.

TelstraClear appeared to deliver a death blow to the law change last week when it said it would not support the development of a code being drafted by the forum that attempted to set out how telcos could interpret their obligations under the act.
Complete article

Commentary & discussion:

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1 comment:

Macros said...

As a NZer I am glad that large international companies are wading in on this important law change.

Considering the close economic and legal ties between Australia and NZ, TelstraClear's stance is expected. A change in law here would probably be used to push through a similar law in Australia, thus affecting TelstraClear's parent company, Telstra.

I believe that the ramifications and broadness of the section was not thought through properly by the law makers, and the potential for abuse is very high.

Various commentary from the supporters have down-played the flaws, often skipping over the cost aspects as well as the lack of adequate evidence.

Hopefully some sense will come of these actions.