James Delahunty
19 Apr 2016 3:17
Music firms in Australia are appealing to the Federal Court to enforce a blockade against KickassTorrents, one of the most popular torrent websites in the world.
Legislation enacted in the region last summer allows copyright holders to appeal to the Federal Court to order to the blocking of infringing websites at the ISP level. This move is being made by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and Australasian collecting society APRA AMCOS, demanding that KickassTorrents be blocked in the country.
Among the member labels cited are the usual suspects, including Universal, Warner Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and so on.
"Online infringement continues to be a major threat to the sustainability of the Australian music industry. Illegal offshore sites like Kickass Torrents show a complete disrespect for music creators and the value of music," said Jenny Morris OAM, Chair of the APRA Board.
"Australian music fans already have access – for free if they choose – to the world's repertoire of music via more than 20 legitimate licensed online music services. Blocking access to sites like Kickass Torrents is all about supporting those services and allowing the writers whose songs are available on them to be paid for their work."
Additionally, the music firms want proxy sites that provide access to such services also be blocked.
Source: TorrentFreak