Copyright reform stakeholders greet reforms with cautious optimism
News | 04/01/2005 5:00 am EST
Ottawa’s proposals for reforming the Copyright Act to bring it in line with digital realities are being viewed with cautious optimism by Canadian NEW MEDIA sources. The government’s proposals, released March 24, walk a fine line between the heavy-handed U.S.-style Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) legislation many had feared, and a more laissez faire approach that some industry leaders say has led to a Wild West copyright environment in Canada. It will likely be several months before legislation is put before the House of Commons and its Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, and some observers worry the carefully crafted March 24 compromise may yet be derailed by both domestic and international forces.