UK Copyright Law Outdated - IPPR Calls for Private Right to Copy

Outdated copyright laws in the UK need a re-think, according to the Institute for Public Policy Research, or the IPPR. The research body is mulling over the idea of a personal "private right to copy," which would allow individuals to copy their own CDs onto mp3 players or to rip DVDs for personal use - both of which are currently against the law.

In the report the IPPR stated that copyright issues have been guided mainly by the music industry, and it’s time for a change. Copyright holders would barely be affected by the right to copy, said the IPPR.

the Inquirer

Currently, Britons are violating an outdated 300-year-old law when copying CDs and DVDs.

The British Phonographic Institute has already stated that it will not pursue its rights to bring private copying cases against users if the copying truly is for private purposes only.

Daily Tech - UK Urged to Update Copyright Laws

Ian Kearns, deputy director of the IPPR, said: "Millions of Britons copy CDs on to their home computers, breaking copyright laws every day. British copyright law is out of date. When it comes to protecting the interests of copyright holders, the emphasis the music industry has put on tackling illegal distribution, and not prosecuting for personal copying, is right. But it is not the industry’s job to decide what rights consumers have. That is the job of Government."

The Independant - Call to exempt iPod ‘rippers’ from prosecution