Bill C-11’s Digital Locks Provisions – Why ?
The digital lock provisions included in Bill C-11 are meant to curb the circumvention of “technological protection measures“, to halt piracy. But unfortunately many consumers currently circumvent digital locks to perform private copies of music recordings or to view films that are unavailable in their region.
At the moment Canadians are able to purchase music on iTunes and use this
program to convert their legally purchased ACC files to the mp3 format.
These consumers can also purchase region free DVD or blu-ray players from Amazon.com
Neither of the above acts result in the unauthorized, uncompensated distribution of copyrighted works to third parties yet these acts could technically be forbidden by Section 41 of the Copyright Act if Bill C-11 passes.
Private Copying, as defined in Part VIII of our Copyright Act, is not exempt in Bill C-11. And Section 41 explicitly forbids the manufacturing, importation, sale or rental of technologies, devices or componants whose primary function is the circumvention of copy protection.
It appearently doesn’t matter that the copyright owners were compensated when the recordings were legally purchased from legitimate vendors and that if it weren’t for copy protection that these acts would be considered private copying in law.
The authors of Bill C-11 insist on labeling these acts “piracy”, even when consent is implied by the sale of these recordings to law abiding Canadian consumers.
The American entertainment industry has yet to specify what losses are incured in the private copying of copy protected works. They also failed to specify how they are loosing funds on legally purchased foreign recordings they refuse to sell in Canada.
Why are we allowing this undue, unjustified foreign influence on our Parlamentary processes ?
Canadians Will Need To Wait
The introduction of the Kindle Fire
The available products are the Wi-Fi tablet and Free 3G/Wi-Fi tablet. But we will probably not get the Kindle Fire
Access to those services are two of the major selling points for this tablet, although they could decide to open up an app store in Canada for an international device. I guess only time will tell.
Last Chance To Get Deals At Blockbuster
Fifty three Blockbuster Canada stores will be closing on the 25th so they’re offloading their remianing merchandise at 70% off, excluding phones, which I believe may be 50% off.
A list of these 53 stores can be found here. Another 200 locations will be closed on September 30th.
Dollar Dips Below Parity
The Canadian dollar has dropped bellow parity with the American greenback, the first time since January 31st. But of course deals can still be found down south, with a bit of comparison shopping.
I’ve managed to find great deals on compact discs and DVDs from the online retailers in the states, even with shipping and handling. And don’t forget, compact disc, DVD and blu-ray orders valued at less than $20 Canadian are not subject to taxes or duties.
Lawful Access Missing For Latest Proposals
It appears the Conservative Government has omited lawfull access from their latest crime reform bill, named the “Safe Streets and Communities Act“, which was tabled today.
Lawful access may be introduced later. But it appears that the 70,000+ signature Openmedia.ca petition may have caused this delay and may result in a more indepth review of this proposal.