Kiwis get reprieve from new anti-piracy law

New Zealand has withdrawn a controversial law which could have forced firms to disconnect internet users accused of illegal use of material such as music or films. The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

The Copyright Amendment Act would have put the onus on internet service providers (ISPs) to ban users accused of copyright breaches, even if allegations were unproven.

"Section 92a is not going to come into force as originally written. We have now asked the minister of commerce to start work on a replacement section," Prime Minister John Key told reporters.

The new law was due to come into effect in late February but it was postponed for a month following widespread protests from internet users.

Related:

-- AT&T first to test RIAA antipiracy plan

-- France's Sarkozy move to punish illegal downloaders sparks liberties row

-- UK Anti-piracy plan to make ISPs liable for illegal downloads

emily | 10:02 AM | Copypright Issues |
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