Essential linkage: The head of Recording Industry Association of New Zealand speaks out in defence of Section 92a.
We've touched on New Zealands new copyright law previously, when a group of Kiwi artists formed the Creative Freedom Foundation to protest the apparently draconian laws.
The CFF continues to very actively report on and discuss the issues involved. Just yesterday however, Cambell Smith, the Chief Executive of the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand, has come out swinging with a column defending the legislation in the New Zealand Herald.
"There are no human rights issue involved. Preventing copyright infringement is something that ISPs already set out in their terms and conditions. Record companies and recording artists don't want anyone to lose their internet accounts. They want users to migrate from using unlicensed services to enjoying music legally online. If this happens, there is then a greater incentive for new players to come in to compete in the legal market."
"There are no human rights issue involved. Preventing copyright infringement is something that ISPs already set out in their terms and conditions.
Record companies and recording artists don't want anyone to lose their internet accounts. They want users to migrate from using unlicensed services to enjoying music legally online. If this happens, there is then a greater incentive for new players to come in to compete in the legal market."
Smith makes the whole thing sound so moderate, but still conveniently leaves out much of the facts that concern the CFF so much, such as lack of punishment for false accusations. Smith's piece is nonetheless an interesting read for anyone following online copyright issues.
And do check out the CFF's site for its counterpoint to the 'official' line.
Issue: 133 | February, 2012