Head to Head on Copyright

Canada is facing a legislative crisis. Michael Geist and Barry Sookman face off on the future of Canadian copyright law

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• tech
• technology
• copyright
• file sharing
• piracy
• michael geist
• barry sookman
• globe and mail
• globetechnology
• download decade

[newstream2010]

Listen up buddy, Canadian's buy DVD's in stores and the outrageous prices on DVD's today is because the consumer is paying for the copy protection that is suppose to prevent copying. We are the ones paying the price so we own it. When you sell something you no longer own it! We now own the rights to the material...in the words of Billy Joe from Green Day, Fuck off and Die!

[area163]

how much can you say without getting fired?

the patent-bubble is gonna kill our culture.. and replace it with something far far worse.

NEXT time (in the communication rev try passive TV to an interactive web to Big brother with self-induced survilance.

props to geist, et al

pat donovan (area163, youtube)

[oneeyedgeek]

I think Canada needs to start from scratch and completely re-write the copyright laws. Technology changes very fast, so why even bother ratifying an already outdated document. As a creator, I believe in tougher laws and enforcing those laws, but as I am also a user, I think they should take closer look at the "fair use" clause, and make it less restrictive and more accessible to the average Joe.

[fabtasticfoo]

If Mr. Sookman's priority is to ratify the 1996 WIPO treaties, then he'd do best to accept a minimalist approach. That is, criminalize circumvention of TPMs only when performed for the purpose of infringement, and leave circumvention devices alone (as they must be available to allow non-infringing circumvention).

With this approach, there would be no fight, and legislation would pass easily. No one is going to get anywhere trying to force a Canadian DMCA through an unstable minority parliament.

[EDeadly127001]

Who let the idiot out of the bag? Has Barry Sookman gone to Europe? Canada has a lower fraud, piracy and counterfeit problems then the US and Europe who which have stricter laws then Canada.

[hjarche]

Thankfully we have Michael Geist to counter the FUD (fear, uncertainty & doubt) being spewed by vested corporate interests, represented by certain legal firms.