Canadian Bill could outlaw Web page caching

CNET News reports that the legislation – Bill C-60 – addresses issues such as file-sharing, anti-copying devices and the liability of Internet service providers. The Bill aims to tighten the Copyright Act in ways favourable to copyright holders. But, Howard Knopf, a copyright attorney, notes that a brief passage in the Bill could mean trouble for search engines and other companies that archive or cache Web content. The Bill arguably makes the very act of making a reproduction by way of caching illegal. Michael Geist, a law professor at the University of Ottawa, agreed, saying: ‘Anyone with content on the Web could sue.’ Knopf said he believed the intent of the search engine provisions was to provide a partial safe harbour, but he said that due to ‘drafting issues’ – in other words, careless language – he\'s concerned the effect may be the opposite. Both attorneys are hopeful corrections or clarification can be made before the bill becomes law. Full CNET News report