Thursday, July 17, 2003

Book 'em, Danno. The Conyers-Berman bill that would ensure 5 year prison terms for file-sharers will definitely get the attention of Joe Citizen.  Imagine this scene: Suburban family enjoying time together watching TV.  Teenage son upstairs listenting to music. Cue: Helicopters, knock on door "Open Up, FBI" As a concerned father opens the door, a swat team breaks in - dashes up the stairs and brings their kid down in cuffs. "Don't let this happen to you!"  Says a reformed Snoop Doggy Dog. Those two sponsors need to find a new job.  Scenarios like this will make tech policy become a kitchen table issue. comment [] 1:32:26 PM

An interesting response to SDMCA Several folks interested in the Super DMCA bill here in Georgia conversed via phone yesterday as to how to work the bill.  Frank Field provides a link to a story describing the NC legislature's effort to protect the consumer's right to refill a toner cartridge.  Seems to me, examples like this are a great way to convince state legislators that big companies are abusing copyright law in a way that will constrain consumers the utmost.  Perhaps it is time to create a model consumers' internet/digital millenia rights bill? comment [] 11:20:58 AM