PROPOSED internet copyright legislation targeting illegal downloading will work well, according to NewsWire’s latest off-the-cuff polling.

Two out of the seven people in our “vox pop” say the Government’s revised version of the Section 92A copyright law will change people’s downloading habits.  

Those who do not believe the legislation will work say people will always be able to find a way to get around the law. Many people will test the law to see if they get caught, say some of those questioned.  

The new legislation will see internet users accused of illegally downloading material issued three warning notices by their internet service providers.

 If infringing continues after the three notices, the person may be fined a penalty of up to $15,000.  

Commerce Minister Simon Power says in a statement that the three-notice procedure is the key to the process.

“The procedure will both educate and warn file-sharers that unauthorised sharing of copyright works is illegal, and in turn stop a large proportion of illegal file sharing,” he says.

“This was a complex issue to work through, and industry groups, intellectual property experts, and officials worked hard to ensure the issues raised in the submissions were addressed,” says Mr Power.

“I’m confident we now have a workable solution.”

 Stuart Moore, of Te Aro, says people are already more cautious. “There are just some things that you can’t buy off the internet any more. 

“I don’t think it’s fair to prosecute people who are just trying to get the things they miss, but I do think that the law will eventually work.”

Breanna Cullen (left), Karori: “I don’t really download anything illegally any more after I got a really bad virus. But I do believe that the legislation will influence people’s downloading habits.”

Matthew Smith, Newtown, says there will be a big culture shock “especially in this generation”

“People have grown up downloading copyrighted material as casually as people made mixed tapes in the ’80s – it’s just a habit to people now.”

Cameron Borgeois (right), Mt Cook, believes as soon as infringers get their first warning, they will stop. “If you’re an idiot though, you’ll probably keep going.”

According to Kyosuke Segawa (left), also of Mt Cook, the law won’t change downloading habits. “People will always find a way to get around it.”

Peggy Hung (below, right), Maungaraki, says: “No, I don’t think it will affect downloading habits, but it is a good start. Some people might restrict their downloading habits as they know they might get caught.”

Jake Lyme, Mt Cook, adds: “I feel that people won’t take it seriously at the start but later on it’ll work. People will begin to realise that downloading is in fact stealing.”

 Mr Power expects new legislation will be introduced to Parliament early next year.