Copyright (New Technologies and Performers' Rights) Amendment Bill

In April 2008, the Copyright (New Technologies and Performers' Rights) Amendment Bill was passed. A copy of the Bill can be found at the following link:

http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2006/0102-3/latest/DLM1122502.html

Note: Section 92A of the Bill will take effect on 28 February 2009. This section requires ISPs to have policies for terminating the Internet accounts of repeat copyright infringers.

InternetNZ Position

InternetNZ regards the Copyright (New Technologies) Amendment Act as a flawed law that fails to fully grasp the nature of "new technologies", such as the Internet and digital media.

Section 92A, when it is brought into force, will require ISPs to "reasonably implement" a policy to disconnect "in appropriate circumstances" the Internet services of users who have repeatedly downloaded or uploaded infringing music, movies, games and other copyright material.

However, the law change has the potential for Internet users to have their service disconnected on very weak grounds, undermining the fundamental right of ‘innocent until proven guilty’.

InternetNZ Activity

InternetNZ lodged a submission on the Copyright Amendment Bill in March 2007:

InternetNZ Copyright Submission

InternetNZ also held two workshops in 2007 to discuss matters relating to the Copyright Amendment Bill.

An archive of presentations given at the workshops indicates the range of activities undertaken and development of the InternetNZ position on the Bill.

Archive of workshop agendas and presentations

InternetNZ continues to work with industry and Government on copyright issues, particularly those relating to Section 92A.