On Thursday, November 3rd, the heads of the MPAA and RIAA presented to the House Subcommittee on the Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property their plans for the future of digital technology.
For high-definition television (HDTV), the MPAA demands every receiver must have, and obey, the broadcast flag. For new radio technologies, you’ll be restricted to recording radio shows for a minimum of 30 minutes, for a maximum of 50 hours. And all analog to digital video conversions will be forced to watch for, and obey, a concealed copy restriction mark.
If any one of these provisions pass, it would be a disaster for you and for innovation.
There’ll be no room for open source software here. All of these devices must be “robust” — welded shut to prevent alteration by their owners.
There’ll be no room for innovation without the say-so of Hollywood. And there’ll be no fair use copying without breaking the law.
Let Congress know how preposterous the MPAA and RIAA’s proposals are, and warn them that your technological future depends on their willingness to stand up for your rights.
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Guess what, Di?
Sony’s already including hidden malware-like rootkits in its audio CDs for sale. After a grassroots backlash, they’ve committed to removing the part of the program that hides the files, but they’re still not making them easily uninstallable.
They’re protecting themselves from the evil little kids downloading music for free, right? Looks like they’re also trying to figure out how to “protect” themselves from those who actually purchase their products.
Nobody with half a brain is going to trust the RIAA or the MPAA. They’re working with the industries to become an outside-the-government sect of fascism.
No joke.
Knowledge shouldn’t be limited by an ability to pay for it. And the ability to expand on existing technology shouldn’t be limited to a privileged few.
I wish it were a joke, but no, it’s just the gov’t doing what it does best.