Peter Dockrill25 May 2006, 8:02 AM
In what it hopes will be seen as a revolution for consumer rights, the government has made some generous concessions: it's OK to listen to music with a friend and even rip music to your iPod. But giving a friend your old iPod with the music still on it? Don't even go there sister.
The Australian Government has finally reformed Australian copyright laws so now it's legal to "format shift" -- convert something that you legitimately own in one format to another format for playback on an iPod for example.
But do the new provisions really improve the situation? Last time round, I talked about TV taping and how it rubbed up against copyright infringement. This week, it's all about the music.
Before these changes, we have all been in the ridiculous situation of having to break the law to put CDs on our iPods, home PCs or other digital music player.
However, new reforms announced last Sunday, 14 May 2006, by the Attorney-General Philip Ruddock (check the media release) propose to shake this status quo up a little by ostensibly making things "fairer for consumers and tougher on copyright pirates".
The broad reforms are concerned with much more than just what's on your favourite playlist at the moment, but in relation to music and music-copying (the domestic version of which is now known as "Format-shifting"), here's a few excerpts from the Attorney-General Department's FAQ:
Will I be able to copy my music collection?
Yes. You can format-shift your music collection from CDs, audio tapes and vinyl records to devices such as an MP3 player, Xbox 360 or home entertainment PC, but only if the original is a legitimate copy that you own and you format-shift for your personal use in a different audio format.
Can I make a compilation CD by copying tracks from CDs that I own to a blank CD?
Yes, if you copy the tracks in a different format to the original, such as making a compilation CD in MP3 format.
Can I copy a music download to a CD or MP3 player?
Yes, if you have purchased a legitimate copy and it is permitted by the purchase agreement.
Will I be able to share my music collection with a friend?
No. You will not be able to sell, loan or give away any format-shift copy you make in a different format, but a friend can listen to your music with you.
Can someone else make a copy in a different format for me?
No. A format-shift copy must be made by the owner of the original copy. It will not be possible for a business to make copies for a customer.
Can I make a 'back-up' copy of a CD in case the original is lost or damaged?
No. A format-shift copy must be in a different audio format to the original.
Can I sell or give away my MP3 music player?
Yes, but you will need to delete any format-shift copy you have stored in the MP3 music player before it is sold or given away.
What if my CD has copy protection applied to it?
The Government is still considering this issue of copy protection.
So there you have it, people! According to the Government, it's alright to listen to music with a friend. That is a relief. Looks like our fortnightly APC dance party is still on!
What do you guys think? Reforms: reasonable or ridiculous?