January 8, 2008 13:48
CD burning at home to be legalised?
Government may allow CD burning with law change
The Government may change the law to make burning CDs at home – which breaches copyright rules – no longer a criminal offence.
Although it is a widespread practice among music fans, it is currently illegal to make a copy of a copyrighted CD.
It is technically illegal to transfer files from a CD to MP3 players such as iPods, too.
New government proposals suggest that music fans should be able to make copies for personal use, but giving away or selling copies would still be against the law, as would uploading music onto the internet, BBC News reports.
The British Phonographic Industry has supported the move, but has warned against making changes that could damage the rights of record companies.
The proposals are up for public consultation until April 8.
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