Section 92a Copyright Review Released

Today the Government released a review of Section 92a of the Copyright Act relating to termination of Internet accounts of those that commit copyright infringement. In the original legislation there would have been a notification system in which the subscriber would have little opportunity to object.

The review of this legislation proposes that the Copyright Tribunal be used to adjudicate copyright infringement cases. In addition to having the power to terminate the subscriber’s Internet account they will be able to award damages, injunctions, account of profits and impose fines. The process would also introduce a mediation process in order to give Internet subscribers the opportunity to cease infringement before sanctions are imposed. The review is seeking opinions on the proposal, submissions for which must be returned by August 7th.

Creative Freedom who lead opposition to the original Section 92a have published a brief overview of the release. NBR has also published an article about the review.