Proposed internet copyright penalties 'extreme'

[p2p rules]

Cutting off internet connections for illegal downloads is akin to cutting off power or phone access, the Commerce Select Committee was told this week.

The committee sat this morning to hear further submissions on the Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Amendment Bill, designed to curb illegal music and video downloads and replace the controversial section 92A of the Copyright Act.

The proposed legislation will require internet service providers to suspend the account of repeat offenders for six months, if requested, and will allow copyright holders to apply for up to $15,000 compensation after three notices have been served.

Colin Jackson, an independent technology consultant and co-founder of Internet NZ, and the Creative Freedom Foundation, a lobby group for New Zealand artists, felt that the proposed penalties were too extreme.

nbr.co.nz