Archived - V, Mike

Let me start by stating that the questions being asked are designed to create an answer pool that presages the outcomes of this process. Therefore, I will not respond to the specific questions, but rather outline my concerns.

There are two major issues that are not appropriately considered by the Government of Canada in all its comments on this matter and previous iterations of proposed legislation. I speak solely for the consumer and promotion of fair-use rights.

Issue 1 — Digital Rights Management (DRM):

Any proposed copyright scheme that infringes on my fair use of copyrighted material is anti-consumer and not appropriate. By fair use, I mean that I should be able to use any copyrighted music, video, or print material in a manner convenient for me. I should be able to purchase a song from an online music store and face no restriction on the type of device I may choose to play it back on. Whether I choose iPod, Zune, music streaming software, or a file server to my home theatre; that choice should be mine and mine alone. I should have the right to use whatever tools I choose to use to strip DRM for my fair use. I am not sanctioning making copies beyond the number contemplated in the license nor in distribution of copyrighted material. Simply stated, it does not matter to the songwriter, performer, musician, filmmaker, actor, writer, author, or artist how I choose to listen, view, or read their material and therefore I should not be restricted in making my choice.

Issue 2 — Blank Media Levy:

This levy was introduced at the behest and lobbying of the music industry for the express purpose of compensating them for downloaded material. As I pay such a levy on blank media, I am, in effect, purchasing a license to copy material as I see fit. While my primary belief is that the content industries should have to live with the consequences of their choice, I am fundamentally opposed to a copyright scheme that makes such use illegal while still rewarding the content industries for their previous lobbying efforts. Ifamendmentsto the Copyright Actultimately make copying such material illegal, then blank media levies must immediately cease. The behaviour of the content owners has been contemptable and must not be rewarded. This is an industry that was guilty of price-fixing in the US (actually worldwide, but taken to legal task in the US). As an industry they are not entitled to the benefit of the doubt for the manner in which they have treated the consumer over the years. Therefore, either maintain the status quo as defined by the current legislation and continue with blank media levies, or eliminate the levies. To allow the changes to the Copyright Act while allowing such an anti-consumer, loathsome, and contemptible industry to continue to tax my blank media purchases is offensive and unacceptable.

Thank you.