Skynet suspect takes case to Tribunal

An internet user facing penalties under the Skynet law has requested a formal hearing in front of the Copyright Tribunal to content his music piracy charges.

The controversial Skynet law, in which the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (Rianz) implements a three-strikes policy, has asked the tribunal to punish a total of eight people alleged to have pirated music.

While seven have requested the tribunal consider their cases based on paperwork, the eight will be heard in front of the six person tribunal according to a Justice Ministry spokesman.

With no date confirmed for the hearing, the tribunal has the power to issue fines up to $15,000 for anyone found guilty of piracy yet significantly lower penalties are usually expected.

Of the eight accused, three belonged to Telecom networks with the others customers of TelstraClear and Slingshot.