Archived - Larson, Mandy

When drafting the new copyright legislation, it is important to protect the rights of Canadians making private copies. I include an excerpt from my letter to my MP after the introduction of Bill C-61 last year:

The bill as it stands makes many common consumer practices illegal. I am not talking about the practice of illegal downloading. More importantly, the bill effectively renders format shifting and time shifting illegal by criminalizing the breaking of digital locks. If I want to transfer the contents of a purchased CD or DVD to my iPod, I may break the law by breaking any digital lock placed on the disc. If I want to record a TV show with my Linux-based computer PVR for watching later, I might break any digital locks placed on the program by its broadcaster/creator. Even if the bill states the practice of time shifting and format shifting is allowed, the rules against circumvention or breaking digital locks make those practices illegal. This bill is unworkable, it is unfair to consumers, and it does nothing to protect artists' copyright as it should be intended to do. It only seems to protect corporate interests.

It make far more sense to criminalize the actions of people trying to profit off the creative works of others (the true "pirates"), than to criminalize the non-infringing actions of everyday Canadians. It also is important to foster innovation in technology by not targeting specific technologies in the wording of the new legislation. Keep the language broad and flexible.

A made in Canada approach is needed. Don't bow to foreign corporate pressures and adopt an unworkable, unfair US-style DMCA.

Thanks,
Mandy Larson