Copyright Law

Broad Canadian Consumer Coalition Speaks Out on Copyright

By Michael Geist

A broad coalition of Canadian consumer groups, including Union des consommateurs, Option consommateurs, the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC), the Consumers Council of Canada, the Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic (CIPPIC), and the grassroots digital activism organization, Online Rights Canada, have released a public letter expressing concern about the government's plans for copyright reform.  The letter confirms what has been widely feared - the recording industry may have received assurances of a bill, yet Industry Minister Jim Prentice has still not consulted with Canadian consumer groups.  Had he taken the time to talk to them, he would have been warned that "consumers will never accept an unbalanced law modeled on the American Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which puts industry first." 

Update: Some members of the coalition have also released a copyright white paper.  The CBC has coverage of this development. 

Full post as published by Michael Geist on June 05, 2008 (boomark / email).