Creative Commons Aotearoa New Zealand discussion

[Bronwyn Holloway-Smith <bronwyn AT holloway.co.nz>]

Hi CC-NZ,

This is a new initiative that I think many of you will be interested to 
hear about...

Cheers
Bronwyn

PS - Happy 6th birthday Creative Commons!

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*CreativeFreedom.org.nz <http://creativefreedom.org.nz/> Launches With 
Campaign Against Guilt Upon Accusation Laws In NZ*

The *Creative Freedom Foundation *launches today in New Zealand to unite 
artists who are against the removal of New Zealander's rights through 
proposed changes in Copyright law, done in the name of protecting 
creativity.

The *Creative Freedom Foundation's* first campaign is against a proposed 
law in New Zealand: Section 92 of the Copyright Amendment Act. S92 
assumes 'Guilt Upon Accusation' – cutting off internet connections and 
websites based on accusations of Copyright infringement, without 
evidence or even a trial.

Foundation Co-Founder and Director, Bronwyn Holloway-Smith says:

"/The result of this law could be that one rogue employee or even one 
virus infected computer could bring down a whole organisation's internet 
and it's highly likely that schools, businesses, hospitals, and phone 
services will be harmed by this."/

On 28 February 2009, S92 will come into effect in New Zealand if there 
is no positive action on the part of the Government to change it. To 
date the Government has shown support for the bill and, unless there is 
major public protest against it, it will "roll over" in to law.

Although the *Creative Freedom Foundation* has just launched, it is 
already gathering steady support. Artist, Curator, and PHD Candidate Dan 
Untitled says:

"/25% of computers are infected with viruses that download and 
distribute material without the owners knowledge. What if that owner is 
a school or hospital? Clearly, this situation is ridiculous. Laws like 
this are outrageous, and as an artist I don't want them done in my name. 
For me, the decision to support the CFF was clear cut. What they are 
doing is fantastic – I fully endorse it, and encourage others to as well."/

A petition against /Guilt Upon Accusation/ laws in New Zealand has been 
started by the Foundation. It can be signed on their website: 
http://www.creativefreedom.org.nz*_
_*

View the PDF here:
http://creativefreedom.org.nz/library/media-release/creativefreedom-org-nz-2008-12-18.pdf