Slashdot Mirror


Brazil Considering Legalizing File Sharing

An anonymous reader writes "It looks like Brazil may be the country to watch if you're interested in much more consumer-friendly copyright laws (assuming US diplomatic pressure doesn't interfere). As that country goes through a copyright reform process, among the proposals is one that would create fines not just for infringing, but also for hindering fair use and the public domain. Also, there is a big push underway, with widespread support — even from some artists groups — to legalize file sharing in exchange for a small levy (~$1.74/month) on your broadband connection. Of course, one reason why Brazil may be doing it this way is because of the massive success the Brazilian musical genre technobrega has had by embracing file sharing as a way to promote new works, and making money (often lots of it) through other avenues, like live shows."

1 of 233 comments (clear)

  1. Re:No more HollyWood films in ... by Americium · · Score: 0, Troll

    That's why they will intervene, not because of moral or legal reasons.

    You have it all wrong, it IS the moral thing to do. If the US can't protect it's IP when it manufactures abroad, it'll have to bring all those factories home. Those countries will have no one to export to. India is testing the front on eavesdropping on everyone, including businesses, we'll see if that affects outsourcing. Brazil is testing a different front. China and many US businesses have issues, just remember the Google fiasco.

    It's also the Legal thing, Patents are in the constitution. I agree that the US is far to aggressive(borderline ridiculous) in it's approach/pricing, but Tit for Tat. We need IP laws, just sensible ones. Artists DO have a right to their work, but how about 5-15yrs, not 90yrs. I thought the Pirate Party in Sweden had a chance to accomplish that, but I think they will have their hand full with Wikileaks.