Minister Proposes Tougher Penalties for Copyright Infringement

2026-03-12 - 09:37

The Icelandic government is considering tougher penalties for copyright infringement, with a proposal to increase the maximum prison sentence from two years to six. As reported by RÚV, the draft legislation has been published on the government’s public consultation portal by Logi Einarsson, Iceland’s Minister of Culture. What's the Story? Draft bill by Logi Einarsson proposes increasing the maximum prison sentence for copyright infringement in Iceland from two years to six Proposal published on the government consultation portal; investigations of such offences to move to the central police investigation department Annual losses of about ISK 4 billion from illegal streaming and downloading estimated by the Supreme Court of Iceland. Photo: Antony-22. Law Reform Proposal The proposed changes aim to treat intellectual property theft on the same level as other forms of theft and provide authorities with broader investigative powers. “It is most important that this is put on the agenda as a serious offense and a serious crime and is investigated as such,” Logi said. Illegal streaming and downloading are cited as growing challenges both in Iceland and internationally. The minister said such offences are sometimes linked to wider criminal activity. “This has been pointed out, among others by the Director General of Interpol. This is often linked to broader criminal activity,” says Logi. “It is seen as a more serious matter if you take a physical or material object and stick it in yourself than if you take intellectual property.” Under the proposal, investigations into copyright crimes would move to the central police investigation department, allowing more specialised handling of cases. Industry representatives say the issue has economic consequences. The Icelandic Television and Film Rights Association estimates that rights holders lose about ISK 4 billion annually due to illegal streaming and downloading. A survey by the association also found that roughly one-third of the population accesses television or film content through unauthorised sources. More coverage of Iceland on-screen can be found in Iceland Review’s Film & Television section.