Imagine what harm losing your internet connection would do to your business or the running of your household. How many of us rely on the Internet for business use, to keep in touch, to pay the bills, to check our bank balance and so on.
If this crazy ‘Guilt Upon Accusation Laws ‘Section 92A’ goes ahead, I fear other jurisdictions may follow suit.
It calls for internet disconnection based on accusations of copyright infringement without a trial and without any evidence held up to court scrutiny. This is due to come into effect on February 28th unless immediate action is taken by the National Party.
Thousands of New Zealanders are protesting against this law by blacking out their Facebook photos, websites, Myspace pages and twitter accounts in protest. This new law may come into effect on February 28, 2009.
I seriously hope that this does not happen; it is just another illustration of archaic attitudes to copyright law and the Internet. Yes, I believe that copyright needs a major update, but seriously, this has got be one of the most ridiculous proposals I have heard of in ages.
If, like me, you think this is crazy, pop over to http://creativefreedom.org.nz/blackout.html and sign the petition at the bottom. If you do have the resources to alter your websites, maybe consider joining in with the blackout.
I look forward to hearing your comments.
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