Canada deems P2P downloading legal

[Wonk]

update Downloading copyrighted music from peer-to-peer networks is legal in Canada, although uploading files is not, Canadian copyright regulators said in a ruling released Friday.

In the same decision, the Copyright Board of Canada imposed a government fee of as much as $25 on iPod-like MP3 players, putting the devices in the same category as audio tapes and blank CDs. The money collected from levies on "recording mediums" goes into a fund to pay musicians and songwriters for revenues lost from consumers' personal copying. Manufacturers are responsible for paying the fees and often pass the cost on to consumers.

The peer-to-peer component of the decision was prompted by questions from consumer and entertainment groups about ambiguous elements of Canadian law. Previously, most analysts had said uploading was illegal but that downloading for personal use might be allowed.

"As far as computer hard drives are concerned, we say that for the time being, it is still legal," said Claude Majeau, secretary general of the Copyright Board.

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http://news.com.com/2100-1025_3-5121479.html?tag=nefd_lede

[LSparkle]

1. My job is music

and this doesn't make me happy ... But I love your sig!

[bpilgrim]

4. spreading the word is the best thing any artist can hope for

the internet is a GOOD thing for artist... but may hurt the big sistros a tad.

they'll get over it ;->

peace

[Kellanved]

2. pretty much the current European legislation

Although the music industry is lobbying to change that (circumventing copy-protection mechanisms is already illegal).

[bpilgrim]

3. BOMB the COMMIES!

i mean TERRORIST :evilgrin:

peace

[ModerateSwingVoter]

5. Downloading is legal but uploading is not?

Doesn't the US have a fee on blank tapes that goes to the entertainment industry?

[hippywife]

6. They're trying

to get us all to move there, now aren't they? ;)

[Tuttle]

7. I'm struck by the parallels...

as I listen to a CD I've borrowed from my public library...

Tut-tut