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Apr 19 – Anime - Posted By Kei
Copyright Infringement Bill Passes In New Zealand
A copyright infringement bill aimed at tackling internet piracy passed through the New Zealand Parliament by a vote of 111-11 Monday, despite strong opposition from at least two political parties and an internet campaign against the bill.
According to the bill, which was introduced earlier this year, people who are caught illegally downloading copyright material will receive warnings on their first two infractions, then can face a fine of up to $15,000 NZD (about $10,540 USD) on their third infraction, as well as possible suspension of their internet account entirely.
Commerce Minister Simon Power said the bill was passed because online copyright infringement "has been damaging for the creative industry, which has experienced significant declines in revenue as file sharing has become more prevalent."
Opponents of the bill have stated it's unfair to several people, as it will allow the government to suspend internet accounts without sufficient proof, and it may cause innocent families to have their internet accounts terminated if someone were to hack into their internet and use it to download illegal material. An amendment to remove the stipulation of internet account termination was voted down by the Parliament.
The bill is set to take effect for New Zealand internet users in September and will extend to mobile internet in 2013.
