26 August 2011

Anti-File Sharing Law Protest Saturday in Auckland

Protesters are gathering tomorrow, the 27 August from 12pm in Aotea Square, Queen Street, to oppose the government’s new anti-file sharing law the weekend before it comes into effect.

The government’s anti-file sharing law comes into affect on September 1 with retrospective powers to 11th of August. The new law, the Copyright Amendment Act, holds internet account holders responsible for alleged breaches of copyright if they are suspected to have downloaded copyrighted material

The New Zealand Internet Freedom Collective (NZIFC) has organised the protest to call for the government to repeal the Copyright Amendment Act because it disagrees that people sharing music or movie files online should be prosecuted.

NZIFC spokesman James Roberts said, “We know from overseas examples that these new copyright laws do not protect artists but do protect overseas record company and film studio profits.”

“We do not want innocent New Zealanders criminalised by a law that will not stop the major illegal music and movie pirates actions who can easily avoid detection.”

“We are also outraged that this law was rushed through Parliament under the urgency laws brought in to deal with the Christchurch earthquake,” continued Mr. Roberts.

“We are calling on the government to repeal the Copyright Amendment Act to protect the internet freedom of New Zealanders,” concluded Mr. Roberts.

Protesters are asked to wear black tomorrow and join the protest at midday in Aotea Square. Green Party Member of Parliament Gareth Hughes will be addressing the protest.

Facebook event details for the protest are available here.

ENDS

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