Australia Backs Down on Draconian Copyright Laws

AcidAUS writes "The widely-publicized reforms to Australian copyright — which would turn iPod, camera phone and DVD recorder owners into criminals — have been significantly amended. The amendment bill was passed this past Friday, after the changes were put into place. The Labor and Green parties still have problems with the bill as it exists, but the Labor party (at least) wants to let it go based on the fact that it is 'a million times' better than the original proposed legislation." From the article: "Following an outcry by industry bodies and the public, [Attorney-General Philip] Ruddock amended the bill. 'The Government has listened to the Senate Committee and stakeholders and has improved the effectiveness of the reforms,' Mr Ruddock said in a statement. 'The amended reforms make it clear consumers can transfer the music they own onto devices such as iPods and enable the next wave of technology by allowing people to record a TV or radio program on mobile devices to watch it at a more convenient time.' The amendments also removed on-the-spot fines for some copyright offenses, to ensure they didn't 'unintentionally capture harmless activities of ordinary Australians'."

Comments

They elected a guy named...

[Anonymous Coward]

Draco? Wow! No wonder they've had problems.

What other laws has this guy written?

Re:They elected a guy named...

[pedalman]

No, no, no!! The name is Malfoy; Draco Malfoy.

Penal Colony Law II

[__aaclcg7560]

If the draconian copyright laws was made legal, the RIAA would been justified in asking judges all over the world to send those guilty of copyright infringements to Australia. The kola bears are now breathing easier that they don't have to share their space.

Idiots were duped by "engineering expectations"

[plasmacutter]

so it was "a million times better"..

Oh.. I don't mind you repeatedly punching my face.. that's a million times better than disembowling me!

stupid stupid stupid stupid stupid STUPID people!

Favourite Quote

[15Bit]

"These new provisions have the potential to make everyday Australians in homes and businesses across the country into criminals on a scale that we have not witnessed before."

Now come on guys, that just not true - only 200 hundred years ago you were ALL criminals....

Re:Ah, Daddy I want a pony

[Anonymous Coward]

I want all of Czechoslavakia!

No

I want all of Czechoslavakia!

No

Ok, then how about just the Sudentenland?

Fine

RIAA goes shopping.

[Kadin2048]

Well, the tactic would work while shopping, you're just not thinking bold enough.

It's more like this. Walk into store with a machine gun, tell the owner that you're going to kill his family, kill him, and take all his stuff. Wait for him to beg for mercy; act like you're touched by his display. Relent, and agree to only take his stuff. Bask in adoration for your mercy and kindness.