Born scrappy

Labour announced their ICT policy today (it leaked yesterday, via Whaleoil). Some of its ideas include expanding the role of NZ On Screen, and reviewing the Copyright Act and scrappng the provision that allows the introduction of internet account suspension as a penalty. More here.

"Labour would investigate making New Zealand music, TV shows and music available on an online platform funded through a small copyright levy on internet access, if it forms the next government ... The party has released its information and communications technology policy ahead of the election next month.

Key points include combining the regulation of telecommunications and broadcasting – with potential ramifications for SkyTV – a greater emphasis on open source software in government and more resources for developing IT skills and for schemes to take technology to lower socio-economic areas.

Technology and communications spokeswoman Clare Curran said it would consider expanding the online film and TV archive NZ On Screen to become a platform for accessing New Zealand-made content such as movies, TV shows and music. Consumers could pay a small copyright levy on internet access, which would provide funds for the digital platform and for content creators.

"The idea needs more work, but in the absence of a mechanism to aggregate New Zealand content that seems like a good place to start," she said.

Most of the commenters on that story seem resistant to the idea of an internet tax, funnily enough.