Journalist union withdraws copyright submission saying it was ‘never intended’ to support internet filter

MEAA1 (1)The union representing journalists, performers and production professionals has withdrawn its submission to the government’s Online Copyright Infringement Discussion Paper, after drawing ire from members that it lent support to plans to introduce an internet filter.

Earlier today technology website ZDNet reported the Media, Entertainment, and Arts Alliance (MEAA) submission to the government’s consultation on ways to reduce Australian piracy, the union said it reported allowing rights holders to get an injunction to force ISPs to block websites, such as The Pirate Bay, that host copyright-infringing content.

However that submission prompted an angry reaction from members of the union, which also represents actors, performers and production professionals, and drew the ire of many on social media with one tweeting: “Whom do the MEAA think they are representing when they back internet filtering?”.

The union has now said it will seek “a broader consultation with all sections of our membership”.

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