April 07, 07:46 PM 
514 Chai Chee Lane 03-16, Singapore 469029 The Ministry of Law (MinLaw) is looking into blocking access to websites that blatantly infringe copyright material.
Such websites that are targeted include Pirate Bay, which facilitate illegal transfers.
The blocking of access to such websites in Singapore could happen as early as year-end, if proposed changes to the Copyright Act are passed.
With the proposed changes, rights holders -- such as movie studios -- who feel aggrieved will only have to make a court application for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) -- such as SingTel -- to block access to websites.
This means that the new law, when passed, will make the process of preventing access simpler as it targets specific websites -- tantamount to turning a tap on and off.
Currently, the process is way more complicated for aggrieved parties. Rights holders can only issue a take-down notice for an ISP to remove infringing copyright material.
But it involves suing the ISP first.
In coming up with the proposal, MinLaw said it studied other jurisdictions.
And if you feel left out or are a pirate, please avail yourself for a public consultation on the proposed new laws, which is underway till April 21.
Those interested can review the draft bill and submit feedback at this website, or forever hold your peace.
Proposed changes to the law is expected to be debated in Parliament in July or August.
Top photo from here
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