Copyright law in digital makeover

Mr Krugga · 18 May 2011 at 14:10

Haven't seen this thread anywhere on the Forums.

A review of the UK's copyright law makes ripping CDs and DVDs legal, while relaxing rules on parodies and reworkings of existing material.

It looks like there will be a more sensible approach towards copyright laws.

One of the key changes it recommends is to legalise format shifting for personal use - the copying of CDs or DVDs onto digital music players or computers.

This is a very much needed reform in my opinion. I'm sure anyone would agree that owning the latest album of your favourite band should allow you to rip the music to mp3/flac and listen to it on a portable player.

Who doesn't have digital backups of their music anyway?

She also welcomed the decision to relax the laws on parody.

That would allow YouTube clips such as Newport State of Mind new breathing space, she said.

Step in the right direction, after all it was only a street away from making singing unlawful unless you have a licence.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-13429217

Barks · 18 May 2011 at 14:11

It was illegal to rip CDs?

How did applications like WMP and iTunes get away with offering that feature then?

SB118 · 18 May 2011 at 14:15

scott212 said:
It was illegal to rip CDs?

How did applications like WMP and iTunes get away with offering that feature then?

Because it's not illegal everywhere.

davieg · 18 May 2011 at 14:17

It still is technically Illegal in the UK, the above is only recommendations to changes in copyright law.

Glaucus · 18 May 2011 at 14:19

It was also recommended in a review a couple of years ago and nothing happened. Hope it does come though though. It's been needed for a decade at least.

Mr Krugga · 18 May 2011 at 14:20

davieg said:
It still is technically Illegal in the UK, the above is only recommendations to changes in copyright law.

It's a step towards a good change though.

Ahleckz · 18 May 2011 at 14:20

scott212 said:
It was illegal to rip CDs?

How did applications like WMP and iTunes get away with offering that feature then?

Because not all people that were using it used it to copy copyrighted content onto their PC. Much in the same way using torrents isn't illegal, it all depends on context and what you are downloading/ripping.

And that's the story I'm sticking to, your honour.

Danthus · 18 May 2011 at 14:25

I have ripped all of my DVDs, Blu Rays and music CDs. At the end of the day, in my opinion I bought them, they are mine to do as I please with.

davieg · 18 May 2011 at 14:26

Mr Krugga said:
It's a step towards a good change though.

Oh yeah for sure, but like AcidHell2 said its been reviewed before and forgotten.

Cosimo · 18 May 2011 at 14:27

OldCoals said:
I have ripped all of my DVDs, Blu Rays and music CDs. At the end of the day, in my opinion I bought them, they are mine to do as I please with.

Mine as in for my own personal use or something more widespread?

datalol-jack · 18 May 2011 at 14:30

How did applications like WMP and iTunes get away with offering that feature then?

Technology, software in particular, tends to outpace regulations governing it. The ripping of optical media clause is a virtual tough stance which, upon closer examination, means little in practice. How do you prosecute and fine someone for stealing their own personal copy of information?

It is about time an effective review resulted in a more robust piece of legislation.

Danthus · 18 May 2011 at 14:33

simulatorman said:
Mine as in for my own personal use or something more widespread?

Both, personal use but widespread around the house!

Philtor · 18 May 2011 at 14:36

This was long overdue tbf and good to see!

datalol-jack · 18 May 2011 at 14:41

I have ripped all of my DVDs, Blu Rays and music CDs. At the end of the day, in my opinion I bought them, they are mine to do as I please with.

Funnily enough, it isn't under current law. You may have bought the physical item, but you only got a personal license to use its digital contents, in most cases, and not the actual copyright to the product; which under basic terms means the right to copy and redistribute!

So, strictly speaking, anyone who has ever burned a DVD for their gran, child or spouse, is a hardened digital pirate! XD

We will see how it goes this time around. I'm pretty sure in the past the issue was buried under a rock by an industrial lobby, more than anything else.