Changes to Copyright Laws - we're all criminals

[Proud Pies]

http://www.theage.com.au/news/technology/the-65000-question-do-you-own-an-ipod/2006/11/20/1163871308087.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1

The $65,000 question: do you own an iPod?
Asher Moses
November 20, 2006

We're afraid that we will see this in Australia except, instead of suing them, they will have them charged under the new criminal provisions.

Owning an iPod, camera phone or a DVD recorder might be enough to land you in jail or lumbered with a large fine under the Federal Government's proposed new changes to the copyright laws, experts warn.

[David]

shit.
Hope it doesn't happen

[Joel]

I'd expect them to make some changes before it passes. Otherwise they are all a bunch of dimwits...though we knew that already.

[HAL]

What kind of food do you like?

[Didaicos]

Ah the beautiful unregulated free market; It's great as long as you have regulation to protect the profit margin.
They need to get it into their heads that PEOPLE LIKE MP3s!
The horse has well and truly bolted...
It's the whole VCR debate all over again.

[eddies bank balance]

What DARK times we are entering. How many teenages have $65,000 let alone $6,600? It's not about money! It is to induce fear for centralized control of the public, soon this will apply to internet download.

[bellastar]

these laws are totally stupid. its like trying to ban smoking- it can't be policed. there's no way in hell that anyway will obey these laws- its not like we do with the copyright laws we have now.

its funny how the fat cats' idea of legal downloads is the money going straight back to them via our wallets. just a cheap ploy for more cash. and why the hell should most artists bitch about people downloading their music- haven't they got enough money? does it really matter how people obtain their music? all that matters is that people hear it!

reminds me of that particular episode of south park.

[HAL]

Whatever you like.

[Mountains Magpie]

As a muso this topic holds much interest for me. These bills will be aimed at making it a far more serious deal for those who sell bucketloads of pirated material at market stalls and the like. The bill has already passed the lower house. Ruddock is trying to get this through before parliament goes into recess at the end of the year so it can be law from 1st January 2007.

Just remember folks, they can make all the laws they like but if they can't police them and if they can't be tested in the courts then they're really not worth the paper they're written on.

The wording of these bills is very poor but it does make you wonder why they're so keen to get them through both houses without any public debate.

As for the other musos at Nicks, my suggestion would be to take the "Do It Yourself" approach and cut out all the middle men. With the likes of myspace etc. these days you don't need to get a recording or a publishing deal. Of course, if you're only in it for the money then put down the guitar and go and be an accountant.

[Proud Pies]

some common sense has prevailed.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/biztech/backdown-on-draconian-copyright-laws/2006/12/05/1165080919601.html


Backdown on draconian laws


Attorney-General Philip Ruddock's copyright reforms are almost certain to become law by January, after significant changes were made to ensure innocent consumers are not criminalised.

The Copyright Amendment Bill 2006 passed through the Senate on Friday after a number of modifications were made. It will now go back to the House of Representatives for re-approval.

[Didaicos]

[Joel]