Proposed law in Singapore to block websites that infringe copyright

Insing.com reports…..

http://news.insing.com/feature/proposed-law-in-singapore-to-block-websites-that-infringe-copyright/id-683f3101

 

Internet users in Singapore may no longer be able to download content from sites that offer pirated content, should a new law be passed (Photo: Payless Images / Shutterstock.com )

Internet users in Singapore who use online torrent sites such as piratebay.com may no longer be able to download music, movies, and television shows should a law be passed by the end of this year.

The Ministry of Law released a document on 7 April for public consultation on proposed changes to the Copyright Act by blocking sites directly.

Titled, ‘Public Consultation on Proposed Amendments to the Copyright Act’, the document defines these online sites as “websites whose primary purpose is to offer infringing content”.

Search engines, such as Google and Yahoo!, and sites which provide user-generated content, such as YouTube, will not be affected by the new legal proposal.

Current legislation regarding copyright allows for rights holders to apply for a “take-down” to network service providers or internet service providers, to request that they remove infringing material. If service providers do not comply, they may be sued.

However, that has not been effective due to dispute of facts that may arise during a trial.

The proposed amendment suggests that websites that directly infringes copyright be blocked instead.

The United Kingdom, Norway, and Belgium have adopted similar legislation.

Under this new legislation, if effected, rights holders will be able to apply directly to the courts for injunctions to prevent access to pirate sites without having to establish the internet service provider’s liability for copyright infringement first.

This process is more efficient and avoids implicating internet service providers unnecessarily.

The public consultation into this proposal will end 21 April, and interested parties are welcome to make their suggestions via mail or email. Details below:

Intellectual Property Policy Division

Ministry of Law

100 High Street

#08-02, The Treasury

Singapore 179434

Fax: 63328842

Email: [email protected]