wildaho used our news submit to tell us about an article he spotted over at Ars Technica, detailing the triennial review of the Digital Millenium Copyright Act or DMCA by the content industry. Predictably, this is a stance that looks at the digital revolution from the aspect of the content provider and not the end user. In this document, we can read in black and white, what the industry has in mind for the future. Specifically when it comes to copyright and Fair Use rights.
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For example, the Apple FairPlay technology allows users to make a limited number of copies for personal use. Presumably, consumers concerned with the ability to make back up copies would choose to purchase music from a service that allowed such copying. Even if CDs do become damaged, replacements are readily available at affordable prices. Similar to the motion picture industry, the recording industry has faced, in online piracy, a direct attack on its ability to enjoy its copyrights. (emphasis added) |
Well there you have it, the groundwork is being laid. If you break it, you buy it..again. If you want to rip it for your portable player or a spare for the car, fine, as long as the content providers say it's ok to do so first-so much for Fair Use Rights! We must never forget the statement by Jack Valenti, who was the former head of the Motion Picture Association of America. He had suggested in November of 2003 that consumers have no legitimate need for backups. He told The Associated Press, "If you buy a DVD you have a copy. If you want a backup copy you buy another one." By the way, you might get a chuckle reading some of his other notable quotes.
Make sure to stop by ArsTechnica to read the rest of their interpretations of the language supplied in the triennial review.
Source: ArsTechnica
