This week the Australian Law Reform Commission will release their Discussion Paper for the Copyright Inquiry. In preparation for its release, the Australian Digital Alliance has pulled together a microsite, #copywrong, highlighting some of the issues with existing copyright exceptions faced by schools, libraries, universities, IT companies, artists and consumers around Australia.

All of the examples on #copywrong have been taken from various submissions to the ALRC's Issues Paper, and from the Issues Paper itself. The ADA's microsite simply brings some of these issues to the surface, to illustrate the need to make Australia's copyright laws more digital friendly. 

The debate surrounding copyright law reform can be polarising. Sometimes rhetoric can overshadow the hard examples of copyright issues facing teachers in the classroom, or Australians using digital technology in their homes or engaging online. Copyright laws are intended to strike a balance between appropriate protections for creators, and ensuring fair access to information and education in the public interest. In some important areas, which affect Australia's access to digital education, new technologies and different forms of creativity, our existing copyright laws are more #copywrong than #copyright.

We've started with twenty examples on #copywrong, but will be adding more as the microsite evolves. If you have an example of a copyright issue you'd like added to the site, email it to info@digital.org.au. Join the conversation around the ALRC Copyright Inquiry online using the hashtag #copyrev, and share your favourite examples from the ADA's microsite www.faircopyright.com.au with hashtag #copywrong.