National Education Campaign Launched In Cinemas & Online

National Education Campaign Launched In Cinemas & Online

Auckland, 1 September, 2011 –

An Ipsos MediaCT online survey[1] of more than a thousand adult New Zealanders (aged 15 to 50 years) has shown there is a broad awareness of the new Copyright (infringing file sharing) Amendment Act that comes into effect from today, with 52% already aware at the time of the research.

Seven in ten of people who illegally file shared content stated they would stop after receiving a warning with a penalty notice attached.

The research also shows that P2P illegal file sharing is the predominant form of accessing copyright protected content online in New Zealand. Twenty-nine per cent of online adults had used P2P to access music in the past 12 months, compared to 21% using for movies and 18% using for TV content.

Deputy Chair of the Copyright Council, Paula Browning said: "The arrival of the legislation is hoped to generate a positive behavioural change over time that could ultimately support an artist's ability to sustain a commercial return from their work. Early evidence indicates New Zealanders are very likely to change their behaviour.

"We recommend that people discuss the new law among family, friends, flatmates and colleagues to help each other understand their responsibilities and the possible consequences."

Tony Eaton, Executive Director of the New Zealand Federation Against Copyright Theft, also commented that the three notice system creates an important educational framework that encourages an offender to address their behaviour, before further running the risk of receiving a penalty.

"The law change is also an important step towards creating a more robust legislative environment that encourages future investment in digital distribution platforms for copyright protected content in New Zealand.

"NZFACT is urging all internet account holders to protect themselves from possible unwanted file sharing activity on their networks and or computers. It's important that wireless internet connection, router and computer all have sufficient password protection in place," said Mr Eaton.

A public education campaign has been launched to highlight the new Act, which includes a public service announcement screening in cinemas nationwide, as well as the www.respectcopyrights.co.nz website and further educational materials for internet account holders.

The new copyright legislation is designed to help educate New Zealanders of the effects of illegal file sharing under a three notice warning system that could result in an internet account holder being fined up to $15,000 only after repeated infringements.

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