http://www.p2pon.com/2010/09/06/brazil-is-considering-to-legalize-file-sharing/It looks like Brazil may be the country to watch if you're interested in much more consumer-friendly copyright laws.
As that country goes through a copyright reform process, among the proposals is one that would create fines not just for infringing, but also for hindering fair use and the public domain. Also, there is a big push underway, with widespread support — even from some artists groups — to legalize file sharing in exchange for a small price (~$1.74/month) on your broadband connection.
It seems that one reason why Brazil may be doing it this way is because of the massive success the Brazilian musical genre techno-brega has had by embracing file sharing as a way to promote new works, and making money through other avenues, like live shows.
The idea was advanced by a coalition of 28 academic, educational, consumer, musical and digital cultural organizations who have called on the government to legalize file-sharing through a blanket licensing system.
It seems someone has been thinking of trying to create a reasonable alternative to hounding internet users and trying to stick them with totally unreasonable fines. The failing with this system is it means everyone is paying regardless of sharing or downloading copyright material or not. There's still a way to go before an amicable scheme is created.
