New Zealand's Recording Industry CEO Tries to Defend New Draconian Law

An anonymous reader writes "Campbell Smith, CEO of the RIAA equivalent in New Zealand, has written an opinion piece for one of New Zealand's largest daily papers, in which he tries to justify the new 'presumed guilty' copyright law. This law allows recording industry members to watch file-sharing activity and notify ISPs of users who are downloading material. The copyright holder can then demand that an ISP disconnect that user — without the user ever having a chance to demonstrate their evidence."

Right to...

[Anenome]

Apparently the law also specifies you have the right to confess your guilt, and pay your fine with a smile, also.

Re:What a coincidence

[Kranerian]

I presume politicians are corrupt until proven honest.

I presume all politicians are corrupt until... actually, forget the "until" part.

Heh.

[castorvx]

The recording industry has transformed its business models, making music available online and on mobile through a variety of different partners. Yet the widespread availability of unlicensed music on the internet acts as a disincentive to those considering setting up legal services.

I don't think New Zealand is on the same internet I am.

Re:I hope this is stopped

[gnick]

So far, it's been delayed from Feb 29 to March 29.

Feb 29 [wikipedia.org] would be preferable - That would leave almost 3 full years to fight this going through.

Re:The obvious justification

[Brian Gordon]

Are you secretly laughing at slashdot?

This law is an elaborate law student prank?

[w0mprat]

They were tired of engineers having all the fun. The fact that there are no legal repercussions for false accusation is a giveaway.

Fun night in:
1. Get (student) friends together
2. Drink beer
3. Send accusation letters to ISPs accusing high-profile/celebrity New Zealanders of copyright infringement.
4. Drink more beer and wait for media frenzy
5. Drinksh more beers *hic*
6. Repeath!

Re:What a coincidence

[Savage-Rabbit]

I presume CEOs aren't really politicians, although they usually own a few ;-P

Actually, in this economy, most of us can only afford to rent a politician once in a while.

Re:What a coincidence

[Anonymous Coward]

In capitalist New York, Politician rents YOU!

Re:What a coincidence

[Anonymous Coward]

You were only modded insightful because slashdotters thought that was useful dating/relationship advice.

Re:What a coincidence

[interkin3tic]

That's only specific street corners in New York, you insensitive clod!