Senate Bill 1506 protects California consumers and its vital motion picture and music industries by extending to the Internet world the requirement that any commercial movie or sound recording file that is disseminated by an individual be labeled with his or her email address. Neat idea huh? No? Well the Legislature seems to think so, passing the Assembly 76-1 and then in the Senate 33-1.
The bill protects the consumer's right to know whether or not the movie or music files are legitimate or counterfeited, just like video movies and CDs when the "true name and address" was first enacted 20 years ago by the legislature. However, not only does it protect their right to know, they also had better know what they are sharing or they will be in hot water fast.
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Well, it would be surprising to read later that this failed to receive the approval from the Governor. Once becoming law, a violation would be looked at as a misdemeanor offense, with a fine of up to $ 2500 and/or up to one-year imprisonment. You may still share files with "immediate family" or within your home network. Those that violate the statute who are underage will also fall under the scrutiny of the MPAA... 'er I mean the law. By paying a fine of $ 250 for a first or second offense and a fine not to exceed $ 1,000, imprisonment in a county jail, or both, for a third or subsequent violation. Be careful on the Internet kids! As an aside, the new statute is being hailed as a way to curb viruses that are propagated via data shared on P2P networks.
Source: Music Industry News
