Hide To Seek Repeal Of Copyright Law

Hon Rodney Hide, ACT Leader
Saturday 14 March 2009

ACT Leader Rodney Hide said today he supports repeal of controversial section 92A of the Copyright Act and will be taking a proposal to the Ministers responsible to have the law changed.

Mr Hide says, "It's a stupid law imposed by Labour. My view is that Section 92A is fundamentally flawed because it breaches the principles of natural justice. It makes people guilty without trial, and that is wrong."

The section requires Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to have a policy of cutting off customers accused of copyright infringement.

Mr Hide says, "A major ISP has made it clear it won't sign up to it, and that confirms the level of opposition". TelstraClear has announced its decision not to support the code being drawn up for the Telecommunications Carriers Forum.

“That should be the final nail in the coffin. Overseas it is up to the copyright holder to take legal action against breaching copyright, and to prove their case. That should be what happens here." He says the law also imposes unfair and unnecessary compliance costs on ISPs at a time when businesses are under great pressure to cut costs.

Mr Hide is also Minister for Regulatory Reform, with responsibility for getting rid of redundant, ineffective and unnecessary regulations and red tape.

ENDS

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