Archive for the ‘copyright’ Category

Is the “Skynet” law having an affect?

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

Reports from our most popular Telco’s suggest there has been a slight dip in international traffic since the “Skynet” law came in to effect.

The controversial copyright law, allows copyright holders to inform ISP’s if their content is being illegally downloaded. The company then has to pass the message on to the user, if they get 3 messages, their internet connection can be disconnected.

You can read more over at stuff.co.nz

ISPs to charge for notices under ‘Skynet’ law

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

The Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Amendment Act – nicknamed ‘Skynet‘ by opponents will come in to effect on the 1st of September. The Act aims to stamp out illegal file sharing using a 3 strikes system. ISPs will have the right to send notices to users warning them to stop or their internet access can be suspended, pending a decision from the courts.

News today has revealed ISPs will charge $25 to rights holder who suspect their copyright is being breached. The charge is then used by the ISP to investigate the claim and send an infringement notice if required.

You can read more over at stuff.co.nz

Copyright law ‘will not change’

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

The New Zealand government recently passed legislation that gives ISPs the choice to send up to 3 copyright infringement notices to suspected copyright infringers. If they still persist, it is expected the Government will eventually give their ISP the ability to disconnect them.

A recent UN report concluded internet access was a human right.

UN special rapporteur Frank La Rue said he was “alarmed by proposals to disconnect users from internet access if they violate intellectual property rights”.

Despite this, Justice Minister Simon Power has said he’s “very satisfied” with the law and will not be looking into changing it.

You can read more over at stuff.co.nz

Copyright hurdle for fast internet

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

Proposed changes to copyright law could have a negative effect on the uptake of ultra-fast broadband, according to Rene Summer, an international industry analyst.

Under current copyright law, the copyright holders are in control of the distribution of content, rather than offering flexibility to users.

Whilst we’d all love faster broadband, without copyright holders offering their content via online mediums, such as the ability to stream movies, we are limited in how we can use the ultra-fast broadband network.

You can read more at the nzherald.

Further penalties for illegal file sharing in NZ

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

The Copyright (Infringement File Sharing) Amendment Bill introduces a three-notice process so that illegal file sharers are given adequate warning of their activity, as well as providing additional assurances to owners of copyright.

Digital sales in Australia and NZ has increased by 41.4 percent, and performance rights returns are up 8.6 percent (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) figures), and this rise in the industry figures mean intellectual property needs to be adequately protected.

Commerce Minister Simon Power says “Online copyright infringement has been especially damaging for the creative industry, which has experienced significant declines in revenue as file sharing has become more prevalent”.

To read the full article, click here.