The Green Party congratulates InternetNZ’s campaign to educate New Zealanders in not falling foul of the Government’s draconian anti-file sharing legislation which is being introduced over the next month.

Green Party technology spokesperson Gareth Hughes said individuals, schools, libraries and small businesses could be hit with heavy fines and the Government had so far failed to provide adequate education about risks posed by the new law.

“Thankfully, InternetNZ has filled the gap left by the Government’s inaction and created a brilliant resource which can be used to learn how to not be accused of illegal file sharing.”

Mr Hughes said the Skynet law would be a heavy burden on internet providers such as schools and small businesses.

Under the law, the account holder is liable for all of its users suspected infringements. This would place a heavy burden on schools, small businesses and libraries.

“It won’t be easy for organisations to ensure all people using their internet connections are not doing activities which could be considered illegal file sharing.

“The Government has put small organisations at risk of $15,000 fines, but hasn’t yet provided enough information to help educate those affected.

“This is an issue because suspect infringements will start counting from next Thursday (August 11).”

The Green Party calls on the Ministry of Education to provide schools with the information needed to ensure they could continue to operate within the law.

The Green Party opposed the Copyright Amendment Act because it allowed people to be considered guilty upon accusation and allowed people’s internet accounts to be terminated.

Web resource: http://3strikes.net.nz/

ENDS

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