A petition, from Linux Australia, is asking the government to uphold consumer and competition rights when drafting anti-circumvention laws, which will tighten the reins on copying protected materials.

Specifically, laws may introduce and enforce a new category of copyright violations that prohibit users for circumventing security controls designed to control access to digital media and products. The laws are required under the Free Trade Agreement negotiated between the US and Australia.

Linux Australia IP policy advisor Rusty Russell says although the treaty does not demand Australia adopt a carbon copy of the suppressive US law, "large business interests" are pushing for similar restrictions on access to digital material.

"The treaty doesn't force us to implement this like the US, where these laws have driven litigation to suppress academic publications, prevent third-party printer cartridge manufacturers, and eliminate competition by open source software. But naturally, some large business interests are pressing for the same restrictions on legitimate access to digital material here," he said.

He said once consumers have paid for digital products, they should be allowed to use it as they wish.