Swiss government: file-sharing no big deal, some downloading still OK
Posted in: Online TV/Music at 06/12/2011 16:38
A new report by the Swiss government argues that unauthorized file sharing is not a significant problem, and that existing Swiss law -- which allows for downloading copyrighted content for personal use -- is sufficient to protect copyright holders. It considers and rejects three proposed changes: a French-style "three strikes" law, Internet filtering, and a mandatory collective licensing regime that would impose a fee on all Internet users that allowed unlimited file-sharing.
The report was written at the request of the Swiss legislature, which had expressed concerned that rampant copyright infringement endangered Swiss culture. In a 13-page document, Switzerland's Federal Council -- the nation's seven-member executive branch -- downplayed those concerns.
arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2011/12/swiss-government-file-sharing-no-big-deal-some-downloading-still-ok.ars
