Traffic Drops After ‘Three Strikes’

The volume of Internet traffic coming into NZ dropped significantly after the new “three strikes” law kicked in Sept. 1.

Scott Bartlett, CEO of the Orcon ISP, reported it dropped by 10 percent in the first two weeks, but added it was too early to tell if “it’s a trend.”

The “three strikes” rule compels ISPs to send three warning letters to infringers, after which the copyright holder can take them before the Copyright Tribunal for a possible fine of up to NZ$15,000 (US$12,432).