New Zealand Sparks Debate Over New Online Privacy Provision

AUCKLAND — A new section in New Zealand’s Copyright Amendment Bill is sparking controversy because it assumes suspected infringers are guilty, putting the burden on them to prove they are innocent.

According to the new section, a copyright holder can issue an infringement notice saying someone has pirated their content and the Copyright Tribunal will accept that as fact.

Instead of plaintiffs needing to prove copyright infringement took place, Internet subscribers will now have to defend themselves with the assumption that they are guilty unit proven innocent. Current legislation allowed offenders three strikes before having their Internet accounts terminated for illegal file sharing, but now they can be fined up to $15,000.

Legal experts in the U.S. have said that it’s difficult to prove a file wasn’t downloaded — and foreign companies have inserted their influence into the New Zealand government.

Britain, France and several other nations have embraced controversial three-strike policies that lead repeat file sharers to be booted off the Internet.

French file sharers have already found ways to avoid detection when sharing files and file sharing still runs rampant in the country and across the E.U.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Pornhub to Restrict Access in Australia as AV Rules Take Effect

Pornhub parent company Aylo will restrict access to its free video-sharing platforms in Australia in response to new age verification regulations, the company confirmed Thursday.

ASACP Announces F2F as 1st Gold Sponsor

The Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP) has announced Friends2Follow (F2F) has upgraded its sponsorship and become the organization’s first Gold Sponsor.

House Committee Approves Online Safety Bill With Federal AV Requirement

The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce on Thursday passed the Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act, which includes provisions to make age verification by adult websites federal law.

Segpay Adds 'Pay by Bank (UK)' Payment Solution

Segpay has added the Pay by Bank (UK) option to its direct payments solutions.

Eli Thomas Launches 'VerifiedCollab' Verification Platform

Performer Eli Thomas has launched VerifiedCollab, a verification platform for creators and producers.

House Committee to Weigh Online Safety Bill With Federal AV Requirement

The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce will meet Thursday to consider and potentially amend the Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act, which includes provisions to make age verification by adult websites federal law.

SWR Data Publishes 'Creator Income' Report

Adult industry market research firm SWR Data has published a report on creator incomes.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Neurodivergent Performers' Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for neurodivergent performers.

'Legal Impact' Webinar Unpacks North Carolina's New Consent Law

Industry attorney Corey D. Silverstein on Thursday held a webinar focused on North Carolina’s HB 805, a new law that has significantly altered performer consent requirements in the state.

Show More