With every reason to believe that Canada will be in the midst of an election campaign by next week, Canwest runs a story on how an election call will kill Bill C-61. This raises at least two issues. First, C-61 may dead but copyright reform Canada is still very much […]
Archive for September, 2008
Jim Carroll on C-61
Writing in CA Magazine, noted author Jim Carroll comments on the negative effects of C-61.
Marston on the Chorus Against C-61
Scott Elcomb posts a response from NDP MP Wayne Marston on C-61 – "Across the country, people like you are coming together to oppose this legislation in online chatrooms, on facebook and in coffee shops. They are voicing their concerns with the legislation by writing elected officials, by posting comments […]
61 Reforms to C-61, Day 52: Education Internet Exception Is Harmful
The Internet exception is more than just unnecessary – it is harmful. First, rather than improving access, the exception will actually encourage people to take content offline or to erect barriers that limit access (including DRM). Section 30.04(3) provides that:
Subsection (1) does not apply if the work or other subject-matter – or the Internet site where it is posted – is protected by a technological measure that restricts access to the work or other subject-matter or to the Internet site.
In other words, in return for the exception, CMEC and AUCC has effectively pushed the government to include a provision that encourages creators to use DRM or restrict access to their work. Many website owners who may be entirely comfortable with non-commercial or limited educational use of their materials, may object to a new law that grants the education community unfettered (and uncompensated) usage rights. Accordingly, many sites may opt out of the exception by making their work unavailable to everyone. This is obviously a lose-lose scenario that arises directly out of the exception.
Prentice Focuses on New Media, Networks As Research Priorities
Industry Minister Jim Prentice today accepted the recommendations for specific research priorities as part of Canada's Science & Technology Strategy. Identified sub-priorities include new media, wireless and broadband networks, as well as telecom equipment.
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