Digital laws change in Australia - copying personal music collections to iPods and other digital music players should soon be legal
"THOUSANDS of Australians who use iPods and other digital music players will no longer be acting illegally after a major overhaul of copyright laws passed parliament today.
The government reviewed copyright laws in response to the rise in digital technology and following the signing of a free trade agreement with the United States. Copying of compact discs is widespread but technically an offence under the old laws.
Major changes under the new laws make it legal for people to transfer their CD collections to computers or iPods, but toughen penalties for pirates.
Attorney General Philip Ruddock said the reforms would also make it legal for people to record and play back television and radio programs at home, and provide new exceptions for cultural institutions such as schools and libraries to use copyright material for non-commercial purposes.
... The changes will come into affect after the bill receives royal ascent, which is expected to occur before Christmas."
Cite: http://australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,20880773%5E15306,00.html