KEY POINTS:
An internet blackout has gone ahead this morning as the online community protests against a new copyright law due to come into effect on Saturday.
Protesters say Section 92A of the Copyright Amendment Act forces the removal of material from websites following any accusation of breach of copyright, even if it was not proven.
Creative Freedom Foundation spokeswoman Bronwyn Holloway-Smith told NZPA thousands of sites, from political blogs to news sites such as Scoop and even a Shortland Street discussion board, had joined the blackout.
"There's quite a list of people taking part and they're all cutting off the usual access to their sites."
She said some sites would stay blacked out until the afternoon, others all day, "and some have been doing it since last week".
On Thursday about 200 people protested at Parliament and presented United Future leader Peter Dunne with an online petition signed by 10,000 people.
The new law was passed by the then Labour government last year. The clause which has sparked protests was removed by a select committee but then restored by the minister responsible for the bill, Judith Tizard, when it returned to the House.
Those promoting the clause say it will effectively police widespread copyright abuse on the internet.
In response to criticism, Commerce Minister Simon Power last week said a code of practice being developed by the internet community would help implement the law.
Ms Holloway-Smith said that was a draft policy which, in its current state, would not change the fact that internet service providers (ISP) would be asked to act in the place of the courts.
"We would like to see the Government either deferring it so they can look at amendments which would actually address the issues, or repealing it."
She said a response from Parliament was expected following a cabinet meeting today.
- NZPA
