It’s good to see that after Philips Electronics were an official partner of Earth Hour in 2008, that they did their bit here in Dublin this year.
The Philips Store conserving energy on George's Street in Dublin at 9.15pm, 28th March 2009
But who am I to talk, I did keep my laptop switched on.
It’s day 6 of Blackout Week, which is a protest at the deal the Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA) have struck with eircom, Ireland’s largest telco. The deal means that eircom will disconnect any internet customer who is accused 3 times of illegal file sharing. No proof will be needed or provided, simply an accusation by IRMA is a black mark against you, and there is no right to appeal.
A similar “three strikes and you’re out” system was rejected in Germany, and a blackout protest in New Zealand probably helped the system being abandoned there too.
Part of the deal also means that torrent sites such as The Pirate Bay will be blocked by eircom.
The world must find a solution to copyright theft. Musicians, Composers, and Record Companies are facing tougher and tougher times as a result of people illegally downloading music. The days of big budget music videos are over, simply because there’s not enough money to produce them anymore, due to piracy. But a solution must be found that is fair and doesn’t trample of our rights to freedom of speech, a fair hearing, and right to appeal.
It’s not enough to simply black out your avatar on Facebook, Twitter or Bebo to show your displeasure – the most important thing is to email the decision makers – your ISP, your TDs, your MEPs, and Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan TD.
The question is now whether the other ISPs will cave in a similar fashion to eircom. So far they’ve remained silent. Get emailing and keep our internet free from censorship.
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