Acts as a copper responsive repressor. Binds to DNA in complex with Zn(2+), repressing the transcription of the copYZAB operon. Exchange of the bound zinc by two copper ions delivered by CopZ Cu(1+)-bound form causes release of CopY from the promoter, leading to the transcription of the operon. Homodimer. Interacts with CopZ Cu(1+)-bound form via a charge-based interaction. By copper. Belongs to the BlaI transcriptional regulatory family.