2009/3/12 Bruce Kingsbury <zcat(a)zcat.geek.nz>:
That's not how the system is supposed to work, and every New Zealander should be disgusted at the way this law was passed, even if they agree with the intent of it.
I was under the impression that NZ does have fairly stringent copyright laws. There's been several court cases in the news (eg Waiariki, "Sione's Wedding"), and the occasional bit about business software association (can't remember the official title) chasing up alleged offenders. I haven't heard much about the new legislation (apart for section 92a) - is it more concerned with what is and what is not a breach of copyright - specifically electronic forms? Section 92a, as I understand it from publicity, is not about what does or does not constitute a breach of copyright, but is all about the punishment of alleged offenders. The possible tie-up with a Free Trade Agreement is intriguing. But then, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. That sort of pressure has always been applied - South Africa when under apartheid was under severe trading restrictions. (Just love those tinned guavas :-) ). Trade is just like politics - you can always find reasons for trading, and equally well find reasons for not trading. Michael