And so the responses to the Austrian copyright law issue are in…

Ron writes:
Please don’t apologise for your opinion.

Computer-literate Australians agree with your assessment that our new copyright laws are illogical to the point of stupidity. The consequences you infer are real, and were pointed out in parliamentary debates before the new laws were adopted. However, it should be noted that they are being “updated” at the demand of your Administration, Australia having recently signed a Trade Partner agreement with the USA. One of the conditions of the pact was an “alignment” of our laws on copyright with the Bush Administration’s interpretation of yours.

Our ruling party, the Liberals (who should really be called “the Fascists”) don’t have a clue when it comes to the Internet and its potential. They really don’t want our telecommunications industry to enter the 21st century… for instance they have hamstrung our major telecommunications company with anti-competitive constraints to the point where it is economically un-viable for them to introduce ADSL2, or even full-speed ADSL1. A vibrant Internet means educated and activated citizens, anathema to troglodyte governments.

One can only hope that in next year’s election they finally get their just reward, like the decent citizens of your country have (finally) delivered to Bush. Good governments (in both our countries) need to benefit all of their constituency, not just those who financially support them.

Rob writes:

G’Day Matt

Firstly I would like to thank you for your article regarding the new Aussie copyright laws and the Internet. I don’t want to sound too political but here in Australia, like in the USA, we have have the worst head of state in our entire history. The Howard government is well practiced at helping out their mates, everyone else is an inconvenience. So what has Google done to warrant this draconian law? I suspect Google’s compliance with Beijing might have something to do with it. Then there is the question of who is going to benefit from the copyright law, is it going to be Rupert Murdoch? Matt, when reviewing the Howard governments policies one has to very careful to read between the lines. The Media in Australia now has new laws to comply to, Murdoch said he wasn’t happy with that. Having watched Murdoch over the years, seen his influence on politicians and government policies, I suspect he has a ‘plan’ in place that required Google to be shackled in one way or another and the Howard government has fulfilled Rupert’s wishes.

I personally know Murdoch has ‘dirt’ on Howard. Murdoch can twist Howard around his little finger but is very careful not to be seen doing so. If Google wants things to be different then they had better donate a truck load of money to the Liberal Party of Australia or jump into bed with Murdoch. Of course I could be wrong, it might just be a STBDS (Seen To Be Doing Something) and Goggle will be let off the leash.

Anyway I have gotten that off my hairy chest now, I feel better. Thank you Matt for the opportunity to give some feedback on the article.

Nick writes:

As an Aussie, I think the proposal to change current copyright law is appalling. If the law is passed, then I think we are taking a big step in the wrong direction. While on a much smaller scale, these changes could be likened to the limitations imposed by China. We can only hope the proposed changes are struck down by a majority vote before it becomes law. Just my two cents worth. P.S. You do a great deal of good for Lockergnome, and for that you deserved to be thanked. So… thank-you.
[tags]Aussie, copyright law, Australia, law[/tags]