Canadian ESA Calls For Tougher Piracy Laws

The Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) has begun lobbing for tougher piracy laws in the country, complaining that current legislation is too lax. One of the organization’s primary concerns is that Canadian customs agents do not have the right to seize goods they know to be pirated without a court injunction. The ESAC is also calling for harsher penalties, including custodial sentences, for convicted pirates. Speaking to website Canada.com, ESAC executive director Danielle Parr complained that current fines are, “like a slap on the wrist because these pirates don't pay taxes. They pay the penalty and are selling stolen software the next day”. Also under discussion is the outlawing of mod chips which allow for pirated games to be played on consoles and which are not currently illegal in Canada. Lawmakers have indicated that a new copyright bill is being planned and is a “priority” for the government. It is unclear to what degree the new bill might resemble the defeated C-61 proposal, which was criticized for allowing substantial fines against ordinary consumers.