Clare Curran

Spokesperson for Communication and IT

18 February 2009 Media Statement

Labour supports constructive solution on copyright

Labour spokesperson for Communications and Information Technology Clare Curran is

calling on the Government to be proactive to facilitate agreement on a draft code of practice
between internet service providers and copyright holders.

Clare Curran said today that Labour was prepared to work with the National Government
and other parties to support the internet service providers and rights holders reach a
satisfactory code of practice to protect copyright.

She said Section 92A aims to protect artists from piracy and illegal downloading by
requiring ISPs to police illegal downloading and having a policy for terminating accounts of
repeat offenders

“It says ISPs will have to "reasonably implement" a policy to disconnect "in appropriate
circumstances" the internet services of users who have repeatedly downloaded or uploaded
infringing music, movies, games or other copyright material.

“ISPs will be required to act on accusations that a user is illegally accessing copyright
material.

“It was hoped that in the lengthy period between the passage of the Bill and the enactment
date that ISPs would develop policies, which would clarify how the provision would operate
in practice,” she said.

“This has not been successful. While a draft code of practice for the industry is being
developed in consultation with copyright holders and ISPs there are some significant
sticking points.”

Ms Curran said that the government needs to work actively with the affected parties to so
that agreement can be reached on a workable code that upholds the principles of protection
of copyright and does not place an onerous burden on the internet service providers.

“The wider issue of the future of copyright law in a digital age is complex and fast changing.
In order for the Section 92A to be effective, a workable code of practice between the rights
holders and the internet service providers must be achieved in order to ensure a robust
intellectual property rights system for the continuing growth of New Zealand’s creative and
innovative sectors.

“Labour supports a workable code of practice to protect copyright and also support an
education campaign to raise public awareness and understanding of the importance of
copyright and the meaning of the copyright laws,” she said.

Contact: Clare Curran 021 242 1813