APRA Supports Creator's Rights
APRA Supports Government Commitment to Creator’s Rights
APRA, the organisation that represents New Zealand’s music writing community, is encouraged by the Government’s commitment to the development of an appropriate solution to the issue of unauthorised file-sharing.
The much debated Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Amendment Bill was last week passed with broad support from all the major political parties across the political spectrum. It enacts a graduated response process where repeat infringers will receive warning notices from their ISP in response to evidence gathered by rights owners.
“We acknowledge all sides of this debate but there are basic principles that should not be ignored. The future is a digital one and whilst technology might change the way content is delivered it shouldn’t be used as an excuse to ignore the rights of those who create the content in the first place”, says APRA’s Director of NZ Operations, Anthony Healey.
Despite what has been reported widely in the media, APRA note that the possible penalties imposed include fines, not suspension of internet accounts. Only at some time in the future, if it is shown that the current process has not been effective and that the problem is widespread, will the range of remedies available to the Copyright Tribunal be extended to include account suspension.
“In today’s world connectivity is crucial, but this current attitude of entitlement in relation to illegal file sharing must change. We need this law to encourage the development of more legal digital services, to encourage ISPs to play a responsible role and to set the example that the creator’s rights are worthy of our respect. This is an important step in the right direction” says Healey.
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Member Profile
APRA|AMCOSThe Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) collects and
distributes licence fees for the public performance and communication
(including broadcast) of its members’ musical works. Public performances of
music include music used in pubs, clubs, fitness centres, shops, cinemas,
festivals, whether performed live, on CDs or played on the radio or television.
Communication of music covers music used for music on hold, music accessed over
the internet or used by television or radio broadcasters.The Australasian Mechanical Copyright
Owners Society (AMCOS) collects and distributes ‘mechanical’ royalties for
the reproduction of its members’ musical works for many different purposes.
These include the manufacture of CDs, music videos and DVDs, the sale of mobile
phone ringtones and digital downloads; the use of production music and the
making of radio and television programmes. Since 1997, APRA has managed the
day-to-day operations of the AMCOS business.APRA’s and AMCOS’ joint objective is to secure the fairest and highest level of
payments for our members, provide the strongest defence possible of their
rights and the best customer service for both our members and our licensees.
