CD copying legal..... maybe

The UK government is currently considering proposals that could make copying music on to blank CDs legal even as some music groups are protesting that such a move will provide a major boost to illegal file sharing.

Currently laws in the country prohibit copying the contents of a CD on to other devices such as computers or music players such as iPod. The legislation was framed 2 decades ago which makes shifting music files to different medias illegal.

Minister for intellectual property Lord Triesman is expected to finish the public consultation process by April 8. If the proposals are accepted, then users can copy music from one CD to the other for personal use. Copying the contents on to different CDs or indulging in file sharing will continue to be illegal.

Jill Johnstone, who is the director of policy at the National Consumer Council, said that such a move was needed in order to move ahead with the times.

"Copying music and films, say, from one piece of equipment to another for your own private use at home or in the car, is currently illegal - even though advances in technology make it possible. This is confusing for consumers and it brings the law into disrepute. That's why we support moves to update this discredited law", Johnstone added.

While a majority of music industry groups welcomed the proposals, albeit on a cautious note, the Association of Independent Music warned that such a move would leave the law to be exploited once the CDs become obsolete which, the group says, will be the case by the end of next decade.

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/171255.html