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Support for C-32 Digital Lock Changes Mounts

By Michael Geist

The reactions to C-32 rolled in yesterday with many groups supporting much of the balance struck by the bill but expressing concern with the digital lock provisions.  That perspective was consistent across the spectrum - businesses, education groups, librarians, and some creator groups all said virtually the same thing:

• Business Coalition for Balanced Copyright: balanced, common sense approach but "some parts of the legislation unfairly restrict consumer freedom and need to be revised before being passed by Parliament such as the inability to circumvent digital locks for private use."
• Retail Council of Canada: encouraged by bill but "some parts of the legislation unfairly restrict consumer freedom and choice and need to be revised before being passed by Parliament."
• AUCC: Welcomes copyright bill but is "concerned about the overly strict prohibition against circumventing the technical measures"
• Canadian Bookseller Association: 'would like to see the government go even further in the area of access, by allowing the public - particularly students and educators - to circumvent digital locks on material sought for educational and strictly non-commercial purposes.'
• Canadian Library Association: passing grade but "disappointed that longstanding rights, the heart of copyright's balance, as well as the new rights, are all tempered by the over-reach of digital locks"

Full post as published by Michael Geist on June 04, 2010 (boomark / email).