Copyright law supports failing business model – TUANZ head
September 2, 2011Copyright law supports failing business model – TUANZ head
The head of the Telecommunications Users Association of New Zealand has slammed the new “three strikes” law as an act which “serves only to support a business model that no longer works in the internet age”.
The Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Amendment Act 2011, which requires internet companies to issue warning notices to customers suspected of illegally downloading copyright content at the request of those who own the rights to it, comes into effect today.
In a live chat with nzherald.co.nz readers, TUANZ chief executive Paul Brislen said the legislation is “poorly drafted and serves only to upset end users, alienate ISPs and will do very little to stop those offenders who are at the busy end of the spectrum”.
“The problem isn’t one of copyright infringement, it’s one of access to material. This act serves only to support a business model that no longer works in the internet age.”
Mr Brislen said the solution to the illegal downloading of copyright material was simple – make it easier to obtain and people will pay for it.
“Services in the US like Netflix offer content online as the customer wants it for a low monthly fee (about $NZ20) and it’s working extremely well. Roughly one third of all US internet traffic is now Netflix and it will hit 50 per cent by the end of the year. It’s now bigger than Torrenting and customers love it.”
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