En réponse à un article critique dans le Toronto Star sur son projet de loi Copyright débile, le ministre de l'industrie Jim Prentice publie un texte de réponse. Je vous propose de traduire ses propos car ils pourraient vous induire en erreur (excusez son anglais) :
Despite what Michael Geist would like readers to believe, we introduced important amendments to the Copyright Act on June 12 using a made-in-Canada approach that will benefit all Canadians. It was necessary to bring the act up-to-date with advances in technology.
Does this line ever get old ? Of course nobody really expected him to say "well our US counterparts really wrote the bill and I just put my name at the end, frankly I dont really get technology. Also, what is Facebook?"
Geist neglects to mention the benefits of our approach. For consumers, it allows the recording of webcasts and TV and radio programs to be enjoyed at different times;
Of course this is nullified by the digital lock (DRM) provision he put in. So you can record and time-shift shows but only if the companies allow it. Nevermind evidence that they WONT. EVER. Also, check this out, you can record but only for a limited time. Cant watch this show within 48 hours, too bad after that it will self-destruct (thanks DRM). So this provision is null and void.
music to be copied on devices such as MP3 players; and the copying of books, newspapers, videos and photos into different formats.
Again, of course you COULD copy music on your MP3 player... provided that the music companies do not put a digital lock (DRM) in. If they do ? Well your out of luck. Those companies have been lobbying for so long against the tape recorder why would they ever allow you to transfer music on your MP3 player if the decision were up to them ? In fact, many articles today quote top executives from SONY and the RIAA saying they even consider that when you are today ripping your own legitimate CD onto your computer, you are a criminal.
So dont count on a DRM break to put music on your iPod. Again, here the minister is either incompetent or trying to fool us. This provision is null and void.
It also limits statutory damages at $500 for individuals if they infringe copyright for private use, provided the material is not protected by a digital lock. (Currently, statutory damages could be as high as $20,000 for a single infringement.)
Again, nice clause on the digital lock. It seems innocent but if you circumvent a lock, your in for a criminal trial. Even talking about circumvention has landed people in jail in the USA (you know, the country where this law was imported from).
Also, do not be fooled by the apparent small numbers. The avreage citizen is estimated to have an MP3 library of around 1000 songs. So thats $500,000 right there. If you forget a MP3 in your "Shared Items" folder on eMule, Kazaa or other sharing software your in for the $20,000, per MP3.
Bottom line here is, the industry wants fines that enable them to apply their bullying technique thats been so effective in the USA. Who is going to even try to dispute the facts when they bully you with the likes of : you either pay us 5000$ right now or we bring you to court alledging "making availiable" for 10 songs ($200,000). The bullying works.
Good job of "limiting" damages mister Minister.
Educators and students will benefit from uniquely Canadian reforms that would allow greater use of material posted on the Internet, the delivery of course material via the Internet and electronic delivery of materials loaned between libraries.
Of course we are talking about the hypothetical world where companies forego the DRM digital locking of content. Oh yeah, thats much likely to happen. As we all know, companies love to have lesser profits. Why would they ever allow you to move music from devices when they can sell you that pop hit once for your computer, once as a CD and once for you cellphone?
For Canadian Internet service providers (ISPs), our bill includes a one-of-a-kind "notice and notice" regime. Compared to the "notice and takedown" approach used in other markets, it better addresses peer-to-peer file-sharing and clarifies the responsibilities of ISPs.
Forget about the CIA snooping on you. The gov will mandate your ISP to be the police of the big hollywood interests. They'll check your emails, chat logs and all internet traffic to identify potential "buisness opportunities" (eg: blackmail you into copyright settlement).
Our approach promotes the protection of creators' rights, and access by students and researchers. It means consumers can enjoy everyday uses of copyright material. And it provides fairness and clarity for industries in the digital environment. Its uniquely Canadian provisions recognize that we all have a stake in fair copyright laws.
Excuse me while I choke.
Jim Prentice, Federal Minister of Industry, Ottawa.
The Great Canadian who destroyed all our "VCR" rights.
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