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In a new poll, 73% of those surveyed said they were confused about what they can copy or record, and which acts are against the law.
With the current UK copyright laws, it is illegal to make a copy of a CD or DVD even for personal use. This means that "format shifting", for example copying your legally purchased CDs to your iPod, is essentially illegal.
UK consumer watchdog, Consumer Focus, says that copyright laws are outdated and millions of people are already doing "format shifting" without being aware of the legal consequences.
Legal experts however say that while the law says one thing, there is almost no chance for individuals to get punished for personal copying. The act it self, even if only technically, is however still illegal.
The confusion also comes from the fact that format shifting is legal in other countries, such as Australia (although it is only legal for CDs, but not for DVDs).
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With the current UK copyright laws, it is illegal to make a copy of a CD or DVD even for personal use. This means that "format shifting", for example copying your legally purchased CDs to your iPod, is essentially illegal.
UK consumer watchdog, Consumer Focus, says that copyright laws are outdated and millions of people are already doing "format shifting" without being aware of the legal consequences.
Legal experts however say that while the law says one thing, there is almost no chance for individuals to get punished for personal copying. The act it self, even if only technically, is however still illegal.
The confusion also comes from the fact that format shifting is legal in other countries, such as Australia (although it is only legal for CDs, but not for DVDs).
More:
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