AU Gummints passes it's (not an) Internet Filter to prevent you behaving in a legal manner.

Diji1 on 23/06/2015 - 09:29

It is not illegal for any Australian citizen reading this to download any work that is covered under copyright for non-commercical purposes. You are not a criminal if you do this: the only recourse open to rights holders is to sue you.

You might have the impression that it is illegal as most media uses phrases such as "illegal downloading" to refer to such activities and likewise so do your supposed representatives Canberra (much like they refer to "illegal boat people" despite the non-white boat people breaking no law at all).

Despite this and because of lobbying which is bluntly using money to buy off your gummints and remove your power over your own country the Au gov has decided to pass legislation that allows rights holders to have websites blocked.

The only reason the block occurs is because a large corporate entity has a problem with your behaviour. The behaviour they have a problem with is legal.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/06/22/australia_gets_its_i…

Power essentially can be reduced to having options - that's all power really is. You have just had a significant amount of power removed as you can no longer exercise your LEGAL option of downloading your favouraite TV show.

How about you drop a line to your closest Labour or Liberal representative and ask them why the hell are they removing your power for no other reason than satisfying corporate lobbyists?

Internet

Comments

      • rump parliament on 27/06/2015 - 02:40
        +2

        Publishers /= developers
        Record labels /= musicians
        Content owners /= content creators

        Companies like Abode, 2K, Microsoft and Apple charge Australians ~30% more because they can. At the same time how much of that money is actually going to content creators? >10% of a $20 record actually goes to the band.

        Piracy is just voting with your wallet. Corporations have lobbied the government into protecting their shitty business model instead of adopting new technologies. I wonder why Steam, Kickstarter, Bandcamp and Netflix are booming if illegal downloading is such a huge issue.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/06/2015 - 12:22
    +1

    It going to be hard to get access to shows from America or other parts of the world that Australia do not show on free to air or you have to pay a premium to watch through foxtel.

    • scrimshaw on 25/06/2015 - 20:27
      +5

      The fact that it is hard to get a TV show via legitimate means from the internet to your computer in Australia is the main reason why people pirate. Here's an overused game of thrones example

      To quote Louis CK

      "[In America] only weirdos pirate, there's not that many people that pirate. But in Australia mums and dads pirate video because we're not letting them buy it," Louis told radio station Sirius XM.

      "Everyone in the world is like: 'Take my f—king credit card and let me just have the thing! But if you're going to be a pain in the ass, f—k you! I can steal all of it!'"

    • kdtrey35 on 26/06/2015 - 00:16
      +3

      I have Foxtel and half the shows I want to watch are never on it, its always the same rubbish reality shows on a loop. If I wanted to legitimately buy one of these TV shows I have to wait till they release a DVD and then spend a ridiculous amount to ship it here.

  • bocca on 25/06/2015 - 12:29

    good luck blocking stream sites and torrents (not torrent sites)

  • Cluster on 25/06/2015 - 14:15

    I would have hoped that we savvy internet users wouldn't be making too much noise about how easy it is to bypass these internet filters. Let the politicians think that requiring ISPs to alter a few DNS settings is all that's required for the site to be 'banned' in Australia. Let's keep quiet about 8.8.8.8, VPNs, TOR, etc etc.

    'Oh noes Coalition government, you've got us good. We can't access torrent sites any more. Woe is me.'

    The last thing we want is for some bright spark politician to think that deep packet inspection is required for a somewhat effective filter. That would slow down internet use for everyone, permanently.

  • c0balt on 25/06/2015 - 16:57
    -8

    Seeing all the comments from people praising piracy makes me sad. The sense of entitlement is like nails on a chalkboard and they tend to circlejerk eachother for onemassive sploogefest.

    Those people are the reason the draconian laws are being put in place. They are partially responsible for screwing the rest of us.

    Honestly I hope some of you (Turd for example) will be targeted from rights holders for the comments you are making on these plus other sites.

    • Turd on 25/06/2015 - 17:21

      I was pirating before pirating was popular, it was a wayy more underground back in the day, now every man and dog knows how to do it, thus the government intervention.

      0dayz FTP, 0day warez sitez, had a few links to some rls groups as well, FXP'ing from one FTP to the other.
      None of that napster, bittorrent stuff.

      • c0balt on 25/06/2015 - 17:24

        You must be very proud.

        • Turd on 25/06/2015 - 17:27
          +6

          It's people like Rupert Murdoch that are screwing you over, with their exclusive rights and such.

    • gimli on 26/06/2015 - 20:43

      All hail pirate bay

    • This Guy on 27/06/2015 - 02:32

      I wasn't prasing copyright infringment, I was answering Evil-Elmo's question.

      I am paying $70 for 500GB. For me it makes no sence to waste 50GB and wait half a day downloading when I can go to blockbuster and rent a new release movie for $4 (or $2.50 each if I get four).

  • RefusdClassification on 25/06/2015 - 17:31
    +2

    There is very little difference between democracy and communism. In both censorship is king and people are under constant surveillance.

    The reason these site blocking laws (and the data retention ones) were passed is because democracy is a farce. This is how Australian democracy works. Rich people and corporations give brown paper bags full of money to politicians, political parties, town planners and judges (like Nye Perram, bought off by Dallas Buyers Club, I wonder how much it cost them), and then politicians and judges do whatever their bribers say. Australia is every bit as corrupt as a third world military dictatorship, the only difference being that the corruption is hidden from casual observation. The LNP is the most corrupt party, but the ALP isn't far behind.

    Instead of an oligarchy run by politicians, it would be better to have referendums (via electonic voting, so much cheaper than traditional elections) on all important pieces of legislation. Switzerland has yearly referendums.

    People think government is the solution to all of their problems (aka collectivism), but is reality government is the problem. The state is the enemy.

    • c0balt on 25/06/2015 - 17:36
      +1

      I don't think you know what the meaning of democracy is.

      I think you may have meant capitalism, but then you made comments about how Australia's government is just as corrupt as say Brunei, and then I realised that you have no idea what you are talking about even before getting to your comment about how you think all governing is evil and how you think we should really be living in an anarchist state that you think will be for the betterment of everyone.

  • scrimshaw on 25/06/2015 - 20:16

    We're blocking porn next!

    http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/computers/gadgets-on-the-…

    and to quote louis CK

    "[In America] only weirdos pirate, there's not that many people that pirate. But in Australia mums and dads pirate video because we're not letting them buy it," Louis told radio station Sirius XM.

    "Everyone in the world is like: 'Take my f—king credit card and let me just have the thing! But if you're going to be a pain in the ass, f—k you! I can steal all of it!'"

  • [Deactivated] on 25/06/2015 - 22:13
    +1

    Funny, when Labor wanted a filter the Coalition cried foul. Turnbull suggested the whole idea could only come from people who didn't understand technology or the internet.

    Both parties are full of it. They are both wearing jack boots, it just depends which logo you want imprinted on your neck after they step on it. If you tink blocking systems stop at things like piracy or child porn you are about as naive as one can get. Govts. of all persuasions will use it to block content they don't like, and we probably won't even know it is happening.

    • scrimshaw on 25/06/2015 - 22:20

      And a quote from Foxtel:
      http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2015/06/foxtel-celebrates-early-ch…

      Foxtel today congratulated the Government and Opposition for coming together to help fight the scourge of online piracy. The Copyright Amendment (Online Infringement) Bill 2015 will give copyright owners and licensees the ability to seek injunctions to block access to overseas-based sites that steal content and profit from selling advertising around it.

      Foxtel Chief Executive, Richard Freudenstein said, “We are pleased that the Government and Opposition have taken strong action to combat online piracy. They recognise that, not only is piracy theft and therefore morally wrong, it is harmful to Australia’s creative communities and to businesses that employ hundreds of thousands of Australians.

      “This Bill is part of a series of measures being put in place by government and industry to educate the public about the problems created by online piracy and where they can find legitimate ways to get access to the content they love,” Mr Freudenstein concluded.

      So the Aussie government wants to be the knight in shining armour — rising up to arms to combat piracy!

  • JH100 on 25/06/2015 - 22:47
    +2

    This is worth reading - http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/digital-life-news/8888-th…

  • telby on 26/06/2015 - 08:04
    +2

    When ever i think of the government, I am always reminded of a John Lennon quote.
    "I think our society is run by insane people for insane objectives. I think we're being run by maniacs for maniacal ends and I think I'm liable to be put away as insane for expressing that. That's what's insane about it."

  • samojed on 26/06/2015 - 11:08
    +2

    Why I (occasionally) download?
    I'm a foreigner living in AU for 8 years now, I came here when I was 30. My spoken English is reasonably good, it is very rare that I don't understand a colleague, I am even alright with Scotts, Irish etc. I struggle in pubs though, background noise completely kills my capability of understanding a foreign language. It's similar with TV - I'm alright with news and documentaries, but I really struggle with action movies, political thrillers etc. It's the background noise/music again.
    When I learned about Netflix, I instantly subscribed, even though I initially haven't watched it for months. I just loved the idea of getting legal content for a reasonable price. Also, all the shows/movies in English speaking regions come with English subtitles. That is a huge bonus for me. I also had Fetch TV for many years, as it also has many shows subtitled. I am HAPPY to pay for content, but it has to come with subtitles - this SHOULDN'T be so hard!
    And yet it is - I currently have Foxtel Play, and will more than likely unsubscribe soon - as they don't have subtitles. Even though their main platform (over satellite) has them. It shouldn't be that hard to embed them with their IP TV - we're talking about an extremely rich and technologically advanced corporation here for crying out loud! Multiple forums and Foxtel FB page has numerous posts by frustrated viewers with serious hearing issues begging for subtitles, and moderators are going 'thank you very much for your feedback, I have passed it on to our development team' - over two years ago! They just don't care.
    It's the same with Stan, Presto, Quickflix etc - they all promise subtitles 'soon' on their FAQ pages. And I guarantee you they're not doing anything about it - there's just not enough hearing impaired people to justify the investment. Because no-one thought of it in the first place.
    So here's the absurd situation - I can watch new episode of say True Detective perfectly legally on my Foxtel Play, but I opt for downloading it instead. It takes me another two clicks to get subtitles, and bang I can truly enjoy the series without rewinding and constantly thinking 'what the actual did he just say'.
    The industry wants us to change our habits, but they don't want to adapt to our needs. Where is the legislator in this case?? Fighting for their right to ridiculous profits, and not imposing (I believe legally prescribed) obligation for subtitles, maximum duration/loudness of ads etc.

    • Evil-Elmo on 26/06/2015 - 11:21

      That's a really interesting perspective! Probably not very indicative of the general population who download though. :)

  • Cluster on 26/06/2015 - 12:41
    +6

    Let's look at the bigger picture. Media companies are still stuck in a 20th century business model, despite allowing some programs to be streamed. The model is based on selling licenses for programming on a per country, or even a per region basis. This Balkanized model worked well when it was impractical or expensive to view media from a different region. Times have clearly changed however.

    Recently I purchased a new release blu-ray box set from England.

    UK price: $40 inc delivery
    Australian price: $70 inc delivery
    USA price: $140 inc delivery

    Written in big bold lettering on the discs was "FOR SALE IN UK AND IRELAND ONLY". Now the content was exactly the same on the discs between the three regions. The only difference was the distributors for each market were clearly inept in their business negotiations or incredibly greedy compared to the UK distributor.

    Media companies have been dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century and finally offered some streaming options, but they're going to have to offer a lot more. And not locked down, geo blocked, and device crippled.

  • [Deactivated] on 26/06/2015 - 16:12
    +5

    first they blocked the child porn sites, and no one would say no to that.
    next they are blocking pornography with small breast females, not many people cared.
    now they're blocking torrent sites, people still don't care.
    next they will block all porn, ala, the UK model that doesn't work, no one will speak up.
    Once the filter is active and being used by politicians accepting money from anyone lobbying them, it's a slippery slope.

    before you know it drug harm minimisation websites will be blocked, euthanasia websites, we will have an 18+ web filter that is opt out, anyone wishing to continue using blocked sites will do so by using TOR or a VPN, but now if you have to use a VPN all traffic will need to go from here to USA or Europe then back to you which means slow internet speeds will be incredibly slower for the majority of the times and if you get a VPN, you have to pay for this too.

    what do they hope to get out of the filter? money from MPAA and RIAA. They got the money, we got the filter.

    should people elected be for the people, yes. Should we bow down to American movie and music companies who change our laws?

    flapping ridiculous

  • Turd on 26/06/2015 - 17:02
    -1

    This is piracy —-> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I15g9XWl2D0

    • emibel19 on 26/06/2015 - 17:08

      Except that noone in their right mind would want to watch that low resolution rubbish, even if it is free.

    • muncan on 26/06/2015 - 17:11

      This is Sparta ———> https://youtu.be/WToU3ntMk_Q

  • ajwatts on 26/06/2015 - 20:59
    +1

    I think the OP is confused between "illegal" and "criminal". Then there's also moral, ethical and fair to consider.

  • rr64 on 27/06/2015 - 14:54
    +1

    If Foxtel is happy you know someone did something wrong. What's even more disgusting is seeing this bill go through with bipartisan support.

    If the opposition think they're likely to get my vote just for not being the LNP they can think again.

  • iceyfire on 27/06/2015 - 19:37

    I am usually a calm and collect person however I must vent.

    I hate this (profanity) piece for shit government, I voted Labor because tony abbot always appeared to be a lying sniveling piece of shit that would promise the world and deliver the opposite.

    I hate those who voted for Abbot, Malcolm Turnbull, and that fat bastard Joe Hockey.

    They (profanity) our fast internet with their short sighted Fiber to node bullshit that costs more then the Fiber to home, although they lied and said it was cheaper but an independent review proved otherwise.

    Now Turnbull and Co have done another backflip on us "We don't care if you download game of thrones, we are after terrorists", (profanity) off you lying scum.

    ABBOT WILL BE FOREVER KNOWN AS THE ONE WHO BROKE THE INTERNET.

  • [Deactivated] on 27/06/2015 - 22:50
    +1

    Just wanted to say that i put up with a lot of crap from this government and the last. Higher Rego, Water Bills, Electricity, blah blah and like most of us i take it as it comes, not this time though.

    I've written a few very stern letters to several politicians on both sides as well as Abbott himself. Whilst it might not do much, the more people that do it, the more chance we have of having this decision reversed.

    Pirating and illegal downloads is not the only reason this new bill was introduced and it will only get worse, and our rights and freedoms will diminish.

    Lastly i just want to say, and this has nothing to do with the new bill the was passed, i really do believe this…

    DALLAS BUYERS CLUB SUCKS!

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