U2 manager calls for reform to combat illegal downloads

U2 MANAGER Paul McGuinness warned Ireland has an extremely badreputation for protecting artists’ works after a judge exposed inadequate lawsto combat illegal downloads.

The pop music mogul called on the Government to urgently reform rules oninternet piracy, making it an offence to share files and access songs, films andgames online for free.

Mr McGuinness called on the Government to do its job and create the legal basisto punish internet piracy.

“This is extremely bad for the international reputation of Ireland as a jurisdiction with appropriate legal protection for all kinds of intellectual property and copyright generally,” said the U2 manager.

Mr McGuinness, an outspoken critic of file-sharing and illegal downloads, said Monday’s High Court ruling warned of a gaping hole in copyright legislationand left responsibility squarely at the door of government.

Mr Justice Peter Charleton found a moral, but no legal, obligation to cut off internet users found to be sharing files.

The major record labels, EMI, Sony, Universal and Warner, wanted internetproviders to agree to a “three strikes and you’re out” rule for any customerwho illegally downloads.

Eircom have signed up but UPC fought and won the case in the High Court.

The U2 manager added: “Though the court ruling is clearly a major blow to therecorded music industry and the movie industry, there are many other Irish basedbusinesses and industries threatened nowadays by copyright theft and the Government must as a matter of urgency, do its job properly and implement the required EU legislation without further delay.

“Justice Charleton’s judgment could not be clearer on where the responsibilitylies.”

Bosses from major record labels attached to the Irish Recorded MusicAssociation (IRMA) are to meet today to sign off on plans to push for reformof copyright law – only enacted in 2003 – in line with EU directives.

Willie Kavanagh, IRMA chairman, said he expects legislation rewritten in thefirst half of next year.

“We have been approached by members of government asking what they can do to help because this does not appear correct to them,” Mr Kavanagh said.

“We are not looking to have this backdated; we just want this thing sorted.”

In August, in Rolling Stone magazine Mr McGuinness said file-sharing and piracy issues were largely the source of the meltdown of the music business in recent years.

Meanwhile, Vodafone said yesterday it was prepared to discuss options on how to limit internet music piracy, but admitted that it had not contacted any of its customers over illegal downloading.

A spokesperson said: “No final agreement has yet been reached between IRMA and Vodafone Ireland on the issue but we remain prepared to discuss the best way forward to tackle the issue in the context of the High Court decision.”