News

  • US Supreme Court Overturns Grokster
    - 2005-06-27 -
    The US Supreme Court has ruled that Internet file-sharing services will be held responsible if they intend for their customers to use their software primarily to infringe copyright. The Supreme Court remanded the decision to lower courts to review evidence on the services' lawful intent, their marketing, and whether they took easily available steps to reduce infringing uses. Justice Souter, writing for the unanimous Court, ruled that "There is substantial evidence in MGM's favor on all elements of inducement."
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  • FTC Issues Report on Peer-to-Peer File Sharing
    - 2005-06-23 -
    The Federal Trade Commission today released a Report on peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing, concluding that the technology offers significant benefits but also poses risks. Benefits to consumers include enhancing efficiency by allowing faster file transfers, conserving bandwidth, and reducing storage needs. Risks include those related to data security, spyware and adware, viruses, copyright infringement, and unwanted pornography.
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  • Canadian Government Introduces Bill to Amend Copyright Act
    - 2005-06-20 -
    The Canadian government today introduced a long-awaited bill to amend the Copyright Act. Bill C-60, An Act to amend the Copyright Act, features anti-circumvention rights, DRM anti-tampering rights, a making available right, a "notice and notice" regime for ISP liability, ISP "data retention" requirements, expanded rights for performers and music labels, diminished rights for consumers in respect of commissioned photos, and user rights to receive digital materials for distance education and interlibrary loan. CIPPIC Media Release Bill C-60, An Act to amend the Copyright Act Government Backgrounder, FAQ, and Ministers' Letter
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  • CIPPIC awarded articling student grant for 2006-2007
    - 2005-06-17 -
    CIPPIC has been awarded a public interest articling student fellowship by the Law Foundation of Ontario. This fellowship will cover the full salary and Bar Admission Course fees for an articling student at CIPPIC in 2006-2007 and 2007-2008. CIPPIC was one of six public interest organizations in Ontario to receive this new grant, which is being administered by Pro Bono Students Canada. A notice inviting applications for the 2006-2007 articling year will be issued shortly.
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  • OECD Releases Study on Digital Music
    - 2005-06-13 -
    The OECD has released a comprehensive study on digital music. The study, which considers the challenges and opportunities presented by online distribution
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  • Paid download sites approaching popularity of P2P Networks
    - 2005-06-11 -
    A study by the NPD Group of music download practices shows that online music stores such as iTunes, Napster and Rhapsody are used in nearly as many homes as P2P networks. "iTunes is more popular than nearly any P2P service, and two other paid digital music offerings have also gained a level of critical mass," concludes a spokesperson. "These digital download stores appear to have created a compelling and economically viable alternative to illegal file sharing."
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  • Anti-piracy Group Breaks Privacy Laws
    - 2005-06-10 -
    The Swedish Data Inspection Board has convicted Antipiratbyrån, a Swedish content industry IP enforcement organization, of breaking Swedish privacy laws. In March, thousands of Swedish citizens had reported the organization for using a software program for recording the IP address, alias, files and server used by individuals downloading content off the Internet.
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  • Access to government information still a challenge in Canada
    - 2005-06-06 -
    In his last annual report, Canada's Information Commissioner, John Reid, critizens the federal government's "culture of secrecy" and decries recent legislative initiatives that have further limited the public's ability to hold government accountable. "Vigilance, by users, the media, academics, the judiciary, information commissioners and members of Parliament, must be maintained against the very real pressures from governments to take back from citizens, the power to control what, and when, information will be disclosed." 2004-3005 Annual Report.
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  • Telecom Policy Review Panel invites submissions
    - 2005-06-06 -
    The Canadian Telecommunications Policy Review Panel has released a consultation paper with 106 questions covering a range of issues concerning telecom policy, regulation, and the adoption of advanced information and communications technologies. Interested stakeholders have until August 15th to comment, followed by a 30 day period to reply to the submissions of other parties. The Review Panel's goal is to develop recommendations that will provide the best long-term telecommunications policy and regulatory framework for the benefit of all Canadians. It has been asked to deliver its report by the end of 2005.
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  • Students demand protection from US anti-terror laws
    - 2005-06-06 -
    The Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) is urging the federal government to protect the privacy of students by retaining management of Canada's multi-billion dollar student loan program. If this contract is outsourced to US-linked organizations, student loan information will be accessible to US security agencies, who have virtually unrestricted rights to access this information for counter-terrorism purposes, in secret, under the US PATRIOT Act.
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