http://www.smh.com.au/technology/tec...0204-ndwr.html
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Great news for iiNet and Internet users in Australia. :) This case should never have gone to trial; such a waste of time and resources of the court.
AFACT could appeal the verdict though, so the saga may not be over yet.
My concern now is that the Government, who don't like the Internet (as evidenced by their planned mandatory filter/censorship), may try to amend existing laws or legislate new laws that favours AFACT types and places unfair burdens on ISPs and erase Internet users' rights.
It's a good sign, yes.
Now we just need an R rating for games and abolishment of the proposed internet filtering laws.
I wonder if any other western nations have had similar cases? They are nothing but a waste of time and resources. Finally some justice in the outcome.
For anyone that's interested, here's the judge's ruling:
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/cth/FCA/2010/24.html
Have a read of the "Technical Background" section. I'm stunned that the judge was able to understand all the technical details so well.
I don't think that ISPs should be held accountable for the way their customers behave online - no more than say the RTA is responsible for the way people drive. And it's not the RTA's job to enforce traffic laws, that's up to the police. Likewise if people are violating copyright online then it's the job of law enforcement agencies to police it.
JMO.
But now it could get even worse.
http://www.smh.com.au/technology/tec...ml?autostart=1
Now they want to try and sue individuals. And why is it, that anything that is going to s*** all over the little guys when it comes to gaming/movies, does Senator Conroy always pop up. I am really hating him right now. He seems to be on the side of Hollywood in this instance.
Unfortunately some people refuse to get with the times. Drives me nucking futs.Quote:
Originally Posted by MV75
"My car gets fourty rods to the hogs head and that's the way I likes it!" - Abraham Simpson
Good luck to them. Hey, at the very least it will create jobs because studios/music label and lawyers are all going to have to put on extra staff to gather evidence and prosecute/defend individuals.
Maybe Stephen Conroy should become Minister for Employment? After all, his grand vision for a controlled internet will create jobs at ISP's, if he gets behind the studios and music labels then he'll be helping to create jobs there too!
Not quite sure what a "Code of Conduct" would achieve, but I do have to chuckle at the wording of "Piracy Code of Conduct" :p
I find this interesting, given how much the internet is beginning to dominate our lives. Most companies are encouraging people to pay their bills via the internet, banks want you to do your banking via the internet, more and more home electronics are becoming internet dependant, society is rapidly reaching the point where internet access isn't a luxury, it's a necessity, and the Government's going to take it away?Quote:
The Sydney Morning Herald previously reported a spokesperson for the Minister saying the government was considering a three-strikes rule — if a user infringes copyright three times they would be cut off by an internet service provider — depending on the outcome of the trial.
hmmmmm....
Conroy calls for 'mature' talks after iiNet case
Quote:
COMMUNICATIONS Minister Stephen Conroy says he won't push for new laws to tackle illegal file-sharing while the movie and internet industries are unable to work together.
The Piracy code of conduct should include:
- If you meet another pirate you must greet them with 'Ahoy, me Hearties! '
- If you meet a none pirate you must greet them with a 'Yer Landlubber'
- If you get fragged online you must say 'Blow me down!
- When you frag someone online you must say 'I am taking you down to Davy Jones' Locker!'
Given Conroy's actual knowledge of how the Internet works, it wouldn't surprise me if the above is more true to his train of thought.
AFACT's appeal was dismissed today.
iiNet fights off AFACT’s piracy appeal
iiNet again slays Hollywood in landmark piracy case
AFACT's likely to make an appeal to the High Court, though.
The full appeal decision can be seen here.