A report from Creative Freddom that APRA is telling its members that 'copyright is under attack'.

APRA says:

There is clear evidence that a campaign is underway to change copyright law in favour of users, diluting creators’ rights and threatening future royalties for APRA members. This is not just in NZ; copyright is also under attack internationally from ISPs and user groups.

Whenever apra says "users" i'm pretty they are actually referring to "fans" - and they seem really concerned that new copyright law might give fans rights such as a right to a fair trial. Copyright Infringement is against the law, and this has not changed with recent law changes.

What's really happening is lobbying groups pushing for legislation that removes citizens' rights, fans included. The Draconian "section 92a" meant you could be disconnected from the internet based only on acucsations with minumum standard of evidence required. Very similar laws passed in France this week.

The phrase "Internet users" needs better recognition too -- hands up if you're not an internet user? Do you know many businesses that aren't internet users? how about charities? hospitals? libraries? musicians? We are all internet users

Child porn threat used to push S92A | computerworld.co.nzSource: computerworld.co.nzWaikato University's weekly Student Union magazine Nexus reports that United Video and other video rental stores in Hamilton are using the threat of child pornography to get customers to sign a petition in favour of Section 92A of New Zealand's new copyright law.

Computerworld > Breaking: TelstraClear bails from copyright code talksSource: computerworld.co.nz

TelstraClear has pulled the rug from under efforts to implement New Zealand's controversial new copyright law.

The telco has told the Telecommunications Carriers' Forum (TCF) and a working party trying to thrash out a draft code to implement section 92A of the Copyright (New Technologies) Amendment Act that it no longer supports the effort.

Ignorance no excuse over new copyright law | Stuff.co.nz

if you provide internet to others (as an employer, a library, a school, a cafe, a flatmate, or any other way) then YOU NEED TO HAVE A POLICY!

THIS MEANS YOU!!!!
YES YOU!    

Business New Zealand chief executive Phil O'Reilly said internet companies had every reason to be concerned about this "pernicious" law.

But also of concern was that thousands of businesses outside the internet sector don't have a clue about the new law and how they could be impacted by it.

Any business which provides internet access for its staff would be regarded as an internet service provider under the new law. This means that rights holder groups including giant media companies would send infringement notices directly to businesses, requiring them to deal with accusations of breach of copyright.

Section 92A - what does it mean for you? - OrconSource: www.orcon.net.nzWe have been receiving a lot of questions from our customers about the new Copyright (New Technologies) Amendment Act, in particular the now infamous section 92A, which has some major implications for both New Zealand Internet users and copyright holders. ...    ORCON's info in new copyright laws - reads to me as if they'll be disconnecting customer apon a 4th accusation against them, whether or not that accusation was contested by the accused.    

Telecommunications Carriers Forum have been working on a policy to help ISPs comply with NZ's new copyright law.

That would be this law:

Section 92A: An Internet Service Provider must adopt and reasonably implement a policy that provides for termination, in appropriate circumstances, of the account with that Internet service provider of a repeat infringer

They don't expect to have this complete in time for 28th February when this law comes into effect. So they're released a note with some advice

One section re-iterates the liability if ISPs don't act apon accusations and disconnect their own customers:

In Australia, under a provision which is worded almost exactly the same as our section 92A, the ISP community by and large has decided that it is not appropriate to terminate internet accounts on the basis of allegation only and that a Court order is required before they will act. Notices from rightsholders alleging infringement have been referred to the Police. As a result, 34 film and television companies are suing one significant ISP in Australia for failing to take appropriate action.

Is the new copyright law a lose-lose proposition? - Technology - NZ Herald NewsSource: www.nzherald.co.nzUnder the new laws in February, many people could quickly find they're accused of illegal downloading, and could potentially lose their internet connection, even if they're not personally doing anything illegal. There's also a high likelihood that already stressed wallets could be hit by this law wi...