law

Our thorny Internet threats

There are many thorny issues for Kiwi Internet users to track through in 2009. It seems everyone wants to cut us off.

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Know the law: NZ copyright changes may cut you off

In 2008 New Zealand’s Copyright law was changed. The changes take effect on 28 February 2009 and have important implications for community organisations, businesses and individuals. The law in question is the ‘Copyright (New Technologies) Amendment Act 2008 No 27, Public Act — New Zealand Legislation’. The specific section you need to know about is [...]

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Labour, National, what’s the diff? We’re still guilty if accused

Last year Labour passed an absolutely iniquitous amendment to copyright law, and this year our new government, National, are failing to listen to united opposition from key stakeholders: Calls to repeal a law that could mean Kiwi internet users have their connections cut if they are accused of breaching copyright have been knocked back by [...]

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Vigilantes enabled by iniquitous law

Section 92a of the Copyright Act requires New Zealand ISPs to cut off Internet access for those accused of copyright breaches. Not those found guilty after due process of law, but after accusations by those who believe their copyright has been breached. This iniquitous piece of legislation subverts our justice system and enables vigilante action [...]

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Text of Section 92 A of the Copyright Act

Because it’s not so easy to find: Copyright (New Technologies) Amendment Act 2008 No 27, Public Act — New Zealand Legislation: Copyright (New Technologies) Amendment Act 2008 No 27, Public Act Part 1 Amendments to Parts 1 to 5 of Copyright Act 1994 53 New heading and new sections 92A to 92E inserted The following [...]

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Soon I might not be a criminal when I use my iPod

Here in New Zealand our crazy law has made millions of Kiwis into criminals: we’re breaking the law if we buy a CD and copy the music to our iPods or AppleTV. Fortunately that’s soon to change — Copyright (New Technologies) Amendment Bill passes third reading: Legislation that updates New Zealand’s copyright law to ensure [...]

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