The Copyright Amendment (Services Providers) Act 2018, expands “safe harbour” protections, giving copyright holders an efficient way to get infringing content removed, while protecting institutions that work for the public benefit.

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said the peak body had long advocated to amend the law in this area.

“The changes now mean universities have the same legal certainty and protection that has previously only applied to commercial internet service providers,” Ms Jackson said.

“More than a million students and academic staff use university online platforms for their own education and research,” she said.

“These amendments are another important step in modernising Australian copyright law in the digital era.”

Ms Jackson thanked Communications Minister Mitch Fifield and the Turnbull Government for leading these important reforms. Universities Australia looks forward to the further work to come on this important issue.