[1] In 2001,[2] the Ministry of Economic Development initiated a major review of copyright law, in light of new technologies, such as media in digital form and communications via the internet.

[5][6] In December 2008, the Creative Freedom Foundation started a campaign (named the New Zealand Internet Blackout) criticising changes to Section 92 included in the Act.

ISPs said that, if the law came into effect on 28 February 2009, they would have to cut off access and take down web pages on the basis of accusation of copyright infringement, rather than face legal action from rights-holder organisations.

He also stated that the stronger copyright laws, including the controversial section 92a, were required for New Zealand to be able to negotiate a free trade agreement with America.

[16] Google has also signalled its opposition to Section 92A, warning that the amendment would 'undermine the "incredible social and economic benefits" of the internet and was disproportionate to the problem it aimed to address.