Always nice to see the CRIA being so helpful
http://p2pnet.net/story/9915The CRIA notes that: Consumers are permitted to make, under certain circumstances, private copies of musical works without the authorization of the rights holders. A private copying levy is collected from the sale of blank audio recording media, such as CR-Rs [sic] or CD-RWs, and the proceeds of that levy are distributed among the various rights holders. This includes the music publishers represented by CSI.
As such, the CSI is not entitled to any compensation for the recording of a download onto a blank recording medium. The appropriate rights-holders are compensated for such a recording through the private copying levy. Any compensation to the CSI for such a recording would result in double payment for the same right.
The CRIA's discussion is focused on downloads for the online music services, yet for the purposes of the Copyright Act, there is no reason to distinguish between those services and peer-to-peer services. The Act does not distinguish between source as it focuses solely on the right of consumers to make personal copies.
While we often see big organisations claiming rampant piracy is why they need to abuse everyones rights, its refreshing to see the CRIA admit at least that a levy is charged on blank media sold in Canada that is paid to them to cover any perceived losses, something that many are unaware of.
I suspect next week they will go back to the old sabre rattling but for now we can all see how no piracy (correct term is copyright infringement) is in fact taking place with any mp3 downloads whatever they claim
