People who make unauthorised downloads of copyrighted works from the internet could face criminal prosecution under a controversial proposal released yesterday.
The idea, revealed by Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology Joseph Wong Wing-ping, was swiftly condemned. Internet users urged fellow users to oppose the proposal, while internet service providers (ISPs) urged all internet users to vocally express their views about the proposal, one of several in a consultation paper.
The paper contains a further review of copyright protection issues raised by peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing programs. A government source denied that proposals in the paper were concessions to the demands of copyright holders. Criminalising unauthorised downloading was not the only option.
Mr Wong told a media briefing: 'We hope to strike a good balance between copyright owners' interests, individual users' privacy and the free flow of information while maintaining comprehensive and efficient internet service.
'There is no connection between this document and the restriction of free flow of information. We are open to all suggestions and we will consider all views.'
The consultation period began yesterday and end in April. Mr Wong said the period was longer than usual because 'this is a complex exercise'.
