New copyright proposal takes aim at sites hosting illegal content

Theproposal recommended yesterday by Attorney General George Brandis and Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull is set on blocking access to overseas websites that host pirated content.

Cabinet will be asked to approve the creation of a mechanism that lets rights holders seek a court injunction ordering ISPs to block overseas websites like The Pirate Bay that permits copyright infringement.

Peak telecommunications industry body Communications Alliance had already backed a site-blocking scheme with appropriate safeguards although there was the risk that legitimate sites could accidentally be blocked and blocked sites may appear at a new address.

However, despite the proposed stance on such domains, Australians that indulge in accessing media from these sites will still escape punishment under the new proposal. Not only that, but along with the fact that it isn't actually a crime to download movies and TV shows without permission or payment in Australia, the blocks wont stop anyone that knows how to operate VPNs (virtual private networks).

Regardless of the watered down nature of the joint submission, within it is a statement that Internet providers and rights holders have to assist one another with a code registered with the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

The code includes a scheme where repeat downloaders are given written warnings that they are breaching copyright, just like in the UK and US.

With the new proposal likely to be welcomed by the majority of telecommunications companies, it’s likely that rights holders will encourage the government to adopt a tougher approach.