MikroBitti issue 4/1984, page 23, from letters to the editor:

The copyright law applies to home computer hobbyists too
(Original title: Kotimikroilijoitakin sitoo tekijänoikeuslaki)

Macro punishment for a micro crime

Some handy computer hobbyists like copying games and other sofware. They are copied from magazines and by breaking floppy copy protections. This is not illegal yet. But handing a copy to another person already is.

Many seem to think that only selling a copy is illegal. However, that's not the case. When you pass a copy to someone outside your household, you're already committing a crime. Even more so if you get money, a bag of candy or another copy in exchange.

According to the Finnish law (Law 404/61) a copyright infringement can lead to a jail sentence of up to six months. In addition, the lawbreaker will have to pay the copyright holder or their representative large damages. A first-timer usually gets off by paying a fine and the damages. If you're less than 15 years of age, you can't be sent to jail but the issue belongs to social workers. Even youngsters will have to pay the damages.

At this point the situation has got so bad that copies are even sold on magazines. This is so unacceptable that measures have been taken. I know of more than twenty cases which have lead to police reports. Next it's up to police officers to start interrogations which will eventually lead to the court.

It is easy to get a criminal record, but much harder to get rid of it. It is surely not nice to have one when you, for example, apply for a job.

Many haven't considered, maybe even known, the seriousness of copying beforehand. Most parents don't know either that "our Veikko" is breaking the law. It might be best to discuss with Veikko before it's too late. After all, usually it's the parents who have to foot the bill. It is a pity if a hobby as nice as home computing gets a bad reputation because of news about court cases and punishments.

Johan Hagström
Field manager, Vaasa