Bill C-11 Is Now Law
Bill C-11’s amendments to our Copyright Act have come into force today.
This means we are now no longer able to perform private copies, copies for personal use, from copy protected recordings.
We can continue to make personal copies from legally purchased recordings that are not protected by digital rights management. But copy protected CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays can now no longer be copied, even for backup.
It should be noted that the vast majority of CDs are not copy protected anyway, copy protection having failed in 2005 because of the Sony BMG rootkit issues. And the music industry appears to have adopted the mp3, iTunes having included an ability to convert music into that format in their software. But some consumers are still concerned that they could be subjected to experimental copy protection schemes in the future.
To prevent music recordings from being leaked prior to their release date the labels could experiment with copy protection schemes within the industry and later attempt to adopt this format in their distribution to consumers, causing compatibility and security issues.
The technological protection measure provisions were primarily added to protect the film and software industries, but we have yet to see their interpretations in action. And as consumers we will need to remain vigilant.
I will be keeping an eye on these issues and will post additional information as it becomes available.
Rexall Pharmaplus Coupon
A coupon for $5 off a $25 iTunes gift card can be found on some Rexall Pharmaplus flyers.
Valid from November 2nd to November 15th, this coupon is only redeemable from print flyers so check your mailbox or local store for a copy. Click here to locate your nearest store.
Google Play Expands
Google Play members in Canada now have access to film downloads and will soon be able to download 320 kbps MP3s from the service, which now includes material from Warner Music Group’s extensive catalog.
The service will also include a cloud like system that will scan and match a person’s current music collection. This service will be accessible through android devices and will be free.
Free Shipping This Weekend
Thought you’d like to know that Sears.ca is offering free shipping this weekend.
They offer DVDs/Blu-rays, electronics, beginner’s music instruments, musical accessories and costumes. This offer ends Oct 28th, 2012.
Real Canadian Superstore Coupon
My local Real Canadian Superstore flyer includes a coupon for $10 off a $50 iTunes gift card, valid up to October 24th, 2012 and music and app cards. Check your local flyer.
Urgent Security Warning
Skype users be warned : Do not open any message whose subject line is “lol is this your new profile pic?” !
This message directs individuals to a malware infected file, using an URL shortener services like goo.gl, that in turn infects an individual’s computers.
This malware collects user names and passwords for numerous sites and services including Facebook, Twitter, Godaddy, Paypal, eBay, Netflix and Yahoo. It may also lock your system and send unsolicited messages to individuals in your contact lists, asking your contacts to download the infected file(s) to their computers.
Skype advises their users to refrain from clicking “on suspicious or unusual files and links, even if it’s coming from people you know”. They also suggest their users update their software, including their anti-virus software.