News: Copyright Code submissions back repeal of 92A

InternetNZ has reviewed the 50-odd submissions on the Telecommunications Carriers’ Forum Internet Code of Practice and has found an overwhelming support for repeal of Section 92A of the Copyright Act.

Executive Director Keith Davidson says “The depth of analysis and the volume and quality of the submissions shows that the fight against 92A is not, as has been suggested by certain people, an hysterical response or something being hyped up by naive or ignorant people.”

“There are well reasoned legal and technical arguments confirming that 92A is poorly drafted law and should be repealed. The Code produced by the TCF Working Party is a valiant attempt to make the best of a bad situation but cannot overcome the problems created by the faulty legislation. In particular, feedback in the submissions highlights serious reservations within the legal fraternity.”

InternetNZ has reiterated that cutting off people’s Internet is a disproportionate response to issues of copyright infringement and that the approach is discredited worldwide.

“Section 92A should never have been brought in by the previous Government, and this Government should not hesitate to repeal it,” says Davidson

InternetNZ, like many other stakeholders and concerned groups and citizens, is ready to enter further consultation on appropriate legislation in respect to copyright and dealing with repeat copyright infringement.