[Infowarrior] - NZ rolls over on IP, implements own DMCA

[Richard Forno]

 Wednesday, 09 April 2008200804090500
Copyright laws updated for digital world

http://stuff.co.nz/print/4470672a28.html

A bill that brings copyright laws into the digital age was passed by
Parliament yesterday.

The Copyright (New Technologies) Amendment Bill changes the Copyright Act
1994 to clarify its application in the digital environment and to take
account of international developments.

It does not change the balance between protection and access to copyright
material, but makes sure the balance can continue to operate when new
technologies are involved.

It introduces an offence, carrying a sentence of a maximum fine of $150,000
or up to five years imprisonment, or both, for commercial dealings in
devices, services or information designed to circumvent technological
protection measures.

The National Party supported the bill and it passed its third reading by 111
votes to 10. The Greens and the Maori Party opposed it.

The Internet Society of New Zealand, InternetNZ, said the bill did not fully
grasp the nature of the new technologies it dealt with.

Executive director Keith Davidson said it failed to enshrine the right for
consumers to format-shift all their digital media so they could listen or
view it on the device of their choice.

"The legalising of format-shifting of audio files - such as from a purchased
CD to an iPod - is a very modest step in the right direction," he said.

"It is a great pity...they have not extended format-shifting to other media
such as video."