U.K. to legalize ripping CDs and DVDs in June

Starting in June, folks in the U.K. will legally be allowed to rip their media for personal use. After thorough examination of current copyright laws, officials have decided that consumers have the right to rip their collection of media. The U.K.’s Intellectual Property Office said the change will also broaden other forms of fair use without harming copyright holders. If, for example, you have a DVD and want to put it on your iPad, you can do so without infringing copyright.

The UK Government has published a guide informing consumers about an upcoming revision of copyright law which will legalize CD and DVD copying for personal use. The changes go into effect in June, and will also broaden other forms of fair use, including parody and quotation rights. To most consumers it is common sense that they can make a backup copy of media they own, but in the UK this is currently illegal. After a public consultation and a thorough inspection of local copyright legislation, the UK Government decided to change current laws in favor of consumers. The changes have been in the planning stage for a few years, but this summer they will finally be implemented.