' Australian law prohibits the copying of any material unless it is for academic research or a review. The introduction of a fair-use clause similar to those in the US and some European countries would decriminalise the activity ' For years, millions of Australians have been routinely programming their VCRs to record a program or copying a CD to their MP3 player. Soon it could be legal.

Federal Attorney-General Philip Ruddock is considering allowing consumers to freely copy films, music and photographs, as long as they have paid for them and the material is solely for private use.

The prospect of a "fair use" clause moved a step closer yesterday when the Federal Government announced a wide-ranging review of copyright laws.

"There's a reasonable argument for putting forward the opinion that when someone has bought something in one format and has acquired the copyright for it in that particular format then there is a fair use for them to take it to another format. I think it's a strong argument," Mr Ruddock said.

Australian law prohibits the copying of any material unless it is for academic research or a review. The introduction of a fair-use clause similar to those in the US and some European countries would decriminalise the activity.

A review panel, which will make recommendations later this year, aims to bring legislation in line with changing media habits.

More consumers are "time shifting", recording programs for viewing later, and "place shifting", making perfect digital copies of material and transferring it to other devices.

Tough new laws will be introduced by 2007 as part of the US-Australia free trade agreement. Anyone found guilty of unlocking an encrypted code that prevents multiple copies of a CD being made faces a two-year jail sentence. News Source: http://theage.com.au