nothing illegal about peer-to-peer sharing

Good news for all you hackers, downloaders, pirates and kazaa’ers in Canada… In a surprising court ruling the Canadian Recording Industry Association sought to identify 29 users who had allegedly stolen copyright-protected music. The ISPs refused to turn over their customers’ identities and other information.

The Canadian judge ruled not only for the 29 anonymous individuals, but in a broad decision also stated there is nothing illegal about peer-to-peer sharing.

The CRIA is expected to appeal the decision.

Wow… so, for now… download away. I find the ruling surprising… Especially in light of the American laws on the same issue going the opposite direction. ‘a U.S. congressional committee has approved tougher penalties for such action: Sharing copyrighted material is punishable by three to ten years in prison in a bill approved by a House judiciary subcommittee Thursday. The Piracy Deterrence and Education Act of 2004 goes next to the full Judiciary Committee for review. The committee could consider it within a month, according to a staff member.’

Yeeeesh!

Update: court link still good.