Searches for ‘VPN’ surge following proposed local piracy code

Last month a three-strikes warning scheme for Australian-based copyright infringers was an included proposal in a voluntary code developed by Australia’s ISPs and copyright holders. Now, Australians are taking precautions.

Google data shows that in recent days Australians have had an increased interest in protecting their privacy. Searches for the best Virtual Private Network (VPN) to gain an anonymous connection to the internet almost doubled in the past week.

The proposed Copyright Notice Scheme industry code to combat online piracy and illegal downloading of music, movies and TV shows, is set to go live on September 1.

Torrentfreak spoke to VPN provider TorGuard, which noticed an increase in Australian subscribers. The below graphic shows its increase in traffic in Australia is coming predominantly from NSW (34.04%), followed by Victoria (26.27%) and Queensland (16.32%). Because of this, TorGuard has added many new VPN servers in Australia and New Zealand.

The Australian government’s publicised battle against digital copyright infringement began last July when a discussion paper between Attorney General George Brandis and Minister for Communications Malcolm Turnbull leaked. The paper’s recommendations were based largely on the US, UK and New Zealand anti-piracy schemes. Unsurprisingly, the US’ six-strikes Copyright Alert System, which launched in 2013, saw the same response from consumers, as did Sweden’s anti-piracy initiative, which launched in 2012.

The code is open for public discussion until March 23 via the Communications Alliance website. The Australian Communications and Media Authority will then validate it. It will be re-evaluated in 18 months, and after that, every five years. However a review may be carried out before the end of the five-year period given the changing nature of technology.