Aussies may get a fair shake on fair use soon

May 6, 2005

Good news, our friends down under may soon get a break. It seems the
government is taking a closer look at the world around it and have come to
realise we are living in a digital age. Result being, they are currently
discussing the possibility of modifying copyright laws in Australia to make
home recording of DVD movies and of music to iPod or MP3
players legal.

Announcing the review of the Copyright Act yesterday,
Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said the public would have an input into
any changes.

"The Government is aware developments in digital technology are
changing the way people use copyright material," Mr Ruddock said.

"Many Australians believe quite reasonably they should be able to
record a television program or format-shift music from their own CD to an
iPod or MP3 player without infringing copyright law."

Australian laws allow copyrighted material to be used in specific areas
such as research or news reporting.