Shoutbox

From this months APC magazine (Australian Personal Computer)
So this is for Australia only, but may give an idea about it.

quote:

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Is it legal to make a backup copy of a CD you have paid for?
lllegal download sites often claim you're legally protected if caught downloading. But is this widely-circulted rumour true?
The short answer is no. Making MP3s or burning copies of CDs or movies you have paid for is not legal in Australia. "With one exception, there is no such thing as making a backup copy of anything [under copyright]," said intellectual property lawyer Micheal Williams.
The only time backup copies are okay is with computer software, although there are strict rules.
You are usually allowed one backup copy, which is not to be shared.
"There's a perception that because DVDs involve some elements of software [for playback on PCs], then it's the same as copying software," he said.
Another mistake people make is to say it's a crime to copy CDs. Williams says copyright breaches aren't technically a criminal offence unless you are selling or distributing the copies.

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