NZ Gov't backs down on Internet copyright law

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 24 February 2009 05:14

IT Industry - Market

Under intense industry lobbying the New Zealand Government has backed down on plans to introduce a controversial copyright law amendment that would have required ISPs to disconnect customers on the basis of mere allegations that they had downloaded copyright material without authorisation.

The controversial Section 92A of the Copyright Amendment (New Technologies Act) was due to come into force February 28 but the prime minister, John Key, announced at a post-cabinet press conference that implementation of the controversial clause would delayed until March 27 to give the industry time to develop a voluntary code.

The move was welcomed by TUANZ and by InternetNZ. TUANZ CEO, Ernie Newman said: "TUANZ members, and especially large network owners, applaud the government for deferring the controversial Section 92a of the Copyright Act." He added that TUANZ. "remains committed to working in good faith with the Telecommunications Carriers Forum, rights holder representatives and other interests to find a solution that will be workable and fair to all."

InternetNZ executive director, Keith Davidson, said "New Zealanders can breathe a sigh of relief that their Internet access is no longer under threat due to unproven allegations of copyright infringement. Section 92A still needs to be fully repealed. It is disproportionate and unfit for purpose. But this deferral is a good start." He added: "The highly visible blackout campaign organised by the Creative Freedom Foundation and its supporters has served to bring the issue into mainstream debates, and we applaud the efforts they have taken."