It looks like common sense has broken out in New Zealand. There was a proposal to allow people to cut off customers completely when they were suspected of flouting copyright laws.

Now that appears to be on hold.

I hope it won't come back. Let's be honest, I don't like people who flout copyright. They make my skin crawl - as a journalist and author I rely on retaining the rights to my work as part of my livelihood. So I'm biased and you might find it surprising that I'm so anti this measure.

In fact I applaud the idea of protecting copyright holders. The problem I have is different; this proposal effectively did away with the idea of people being treated as innocent until they are found guilty. Cut off the internet on suspicion without an inquiry or a trial if there's an actual offence involved? I do hope not. Ever.