Last week, New Zealand joined the growing club of countries that have introduced special legislation to deal with illicit file-sharing.
Rushed through unexpectedly, the Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Amendment Bill put in place a 3 strikes-style regime.
Internet service providers will initially send warning letters to alleged infringers at the behest of rights holders. The country’s Copyright Tribunal will then rule on cases of alleged repeat infringement and will be given the authority to hand down fines up to a maximum of $15,000 ($11,733 US).
Kiwi film producer Mike Riddell, who had a workprint of one of his earlier movies leaked onto the web, has little faith in the legislation or its chances of success.
“The legislation is not well considered and is not going to have much effect. I wish it had been a slower, more thought-out process,” he said.
