* Establishes a 'three strikes' regime to stamp out illegal file-sharing.
* Copyright owners notify Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that someone is downloading material, such as films or video, without paying for it, through file-sharing.
* ISPs send warning notices to those customers telling them they may have infringed copyright.
* After three warnings, if the user does not stop, the copyright owner can take a claim to the Copyright Tribunal.
* The tribunal now has the power in impose a maximum $15,000 penalty on the internet account holder.
* However, after two years, if the new regime is not working - and a large number of people are still illegally downloading, then the Commerce Minister can introduce a tougher regime which could lead to the suspension of accounts.
* This would see the tribunal refer serious cases to the district court, who would have the power to order a six month suspension.
* The regime comes into force on September 1. The law does not apply to cellphone networks until 2013.作者: 猪宝宝72 时间: 2011-4-17 01:23:13