DamnedIfIknow used our news submit to tell us "The bill also takes aim at camcorder copiers who sneak into film screenings. Anyone who "knowingly uses or attempts to use an audiovisual recording device in a motion picture theater" to copy a movie could face up to six years in jail. Damn the MPAA!!"
Unfortunately, this is some very disturbing news from Wired. The penalties that are already quite stiff for those of us residing in the US, are being dramatically increased. At the same time, the burden of proof is being lowered. The extreme focus on an issue that is repeatedly shown as insignificant seems to be ridiculous.
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Sponsored by Reps. Howard Berman (D-California) and Lamar Smith (R-Texas), the bill targets heavy users of peer-to-peer networks and those who pirate copies of feature films. The bill outlines a new piracy deterrence program for the FBI, and calls for the Justice Department to create an antipiracy "Internet use education program." If signed into law, Justice would receive million for investigation and prosecution of copyright-related crimes in 2005. If HR4077, also known as the Piracy Deterrence and Education Act of 2004, becomes law, it would be the first legislation designed to punish file sharing with jail time. The bill also takes aim at camcorder copiers who sneak into film screenings. Anyone who "knowingly uses or attempts to use an audiovisual recording device in a motion picture theater" to copy a movie could face up to six years in jail. "This is a common-sense bill that ensures that federal prosecutors have the tools and expertise they need to fully enforce the laws on the books," said Recording Industry Association of America chief executive Mitch Bainwol. |
Mitch Brainwol says it's common sense. I say it is corporate politics in action. It is like a roller coaster lately, with the variety of legal opinions, from the Canadian decision to this. How can all these people be right? Let's just hope this doesn't become law. But, when the House judiciary subcommittee unanimously approved a bill so harsh, it looks likely. You can visit Wired to read the full story.
Source: Wired
