The Vancouver Sun ran a story over the weekend on the growing popularity of downloading movies on P2P networks. The article notes that movie swapping is still tiny in comparison to music, but that it may grow in the future.
News
Canadian Security Companies, Heritage Committee MP Concerned Over Copyright Reforms
A group of Canadian security firms have released a public letter also expressing concern over potential Canadian copyright reforms. The companies note the negative impact of the DMCA on security research and urge the government to avoid criminalizing technology. I'm quoted in the Toronto Star's coverage of the letter, noting that the potential rules may render illegal what sits the core of legitimate security research.
Ontario Court of Appeal Hears Bangoura Appeal
The Ontario Court of Appeal heard arguments yesterday in an appeal of the Bangoura v. Washington Post decision. The case raises significant Internet jurisdiction issues, citing leading cases such as Gutnick. The decision has attracted considerable global attention, with dozens of major media companies intervening in support of the Post. I appeared on CBC's As It Happens to discuss the case (and I wrote about the trial decision when it was first released last year).
Speaking Out
Today's article on the government plans for lawful access, extended licensing, etc. has been /.ed leading to lots of email from people wanting to do something.
The most obvious place to start is to write to our politicians — they need to hear from people that are concerned about these proposed privacy and copyright reforms.
Pot. Kettle. Black.
Today's National Post Magazine carries a feature (subscription required) on Canadian Recording Industry Association President Graham Henderson. I'm quoted as saying that Henderson is a smart, tenacious guy but that CRIA doesn't represent the views of the entire industry nor of the public interest. Henderson responds with this priceless quote:
Recent Posts
Canadian Government Caves on Digital Services Tax After Years of Dismissing the Risks of Trade Retaliation 
The Law Bytes Podcast, Episode 238: David Fraser on Why Bill C-2’s Lawful Access Powers May Put Canadians’ Digital Security At Risk 
Ignoring the Warning Signs: Why Did the Canadian Government Dismiss the Trade Risks of a Digital Services Tax? 
Why Bill C-2 Faces a Likely Constitutional Challenge By Placing Solicitor-Client Privilege at Risk 
The Law Bytes Podcast, Episode 237: A Conversation with Jason Woywada of BCFIPA on Political Party Privacy and Bill C-4
