Wellington  - Representatives of New Zealand's recording industry and internet service providers are negotiating a compromise copyright agreement after the government postponed a controversial new law, according to news reports on Tuesday.

The law, which instructs internet service providers to block online access to anyone accused of repeatedly flouting copyright by illegally downloading films and music, whether they have been convicted or not, was to have taken effect on Saturday.

Monday's weekly cabinet meeting postponed it for at least a month after a storm of protest by internet users who said it amounted to guilt on accusation.

British actor Stephen Fry voiced his opposition on a recent visit to New Zealand, blacking out his photo avatar on the social network Twitter site and changing his biography to read: "I'm blacked out: Stand up against Guilt Upon Accusation for New Zealand."

Internet users staged a protest outside the Parliament last week and many websites and blogs were blacked out Monday to draw attention to the issue.

The Recording Industry Association and a telecommunications forum, which represents the larger internet providers are close to reaching a compromise agreement on a workable code of practice, Radio New Zealand reported. (dpa)