CFF Welcome Copyright Proposal Document

Media Release
For Immediate Release

15 July 2009

CFF Welcome Copyright Proposal Document

The Creative Freedom Foundation welcome the Ministry of Economic Development's Section 92A Review Policy Proposal Document, released for public comment yesterday.

CFF Director, Bronwyn Holloway-Smith states ”It's wonderful that Hon. Simon Power, the Working Group, and MED are ensuring due process around copyright infringement allegations. This proposal is certainly a considerable improvement on its predecessor, and it's great to see an independent tribunal and targeted fines as part of the process.”

“However, there are still some concerns for us. It's unfortunate to see NZ not following international trends by holding on to internet termination as a punishment. As artists, we don't want people's internet taken away to protect our copyright. This is too severe a punishment, and many consider it to be a breach of human rights.”

“Internet termination would affect entire businesses, government departments, farms & families and anyone else with a shared internet connection due to the actions of one guilty person or even a virus infected computer. Further, internet access is hugely important in today's society, and a lot of basic services including banking, health records, education and social activities are increasingly delivered online.“

“The definition of an Internet Service Provider has also not been addressed, meaning that any shared connection may be considered an ISP. It is also likely that there will be considerable business compliance costs with estimates starting at $1500 per business to install to tracking hardware.”

“There also doesn't seem to be any penalty for false accusations.”

“While there are a few creases to iron out, we are optimistic that the government is on the right track to creating a great solution for NZ that supports and protects both creative and public rights.”

About The Creative Freedom Foundation

The Creative Freedom Foundation is a not-for-profit trust representing 20,000 New Zealanders, with 10,000 of those artists including musicians, film makers, visual artists, designers, writers, & performers. Founded in 2008 in response to changes in copyright law and the effect these changes are having on creativity, the economy, and public rights, the Foundation's primary goals are:

• The education of New Zealand artists about emerging issues within New Zealand that have the potential to influence their collective creativity

• Advocacy to ensure that their views are taken into consideration, and

• The promotion and encouragement of activities that support and build the New Zealand arts community, positive relationships within that community and/or the positive wellbeing of that community.

Through their goals, the CFF seek to influence change in NZ Copyright Law, making it appropriate for the 21st Century.

ENDS