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Is CD Copy Protection Illegal?

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the wouldn't-it-be-nice dept.

ribbiting writes "US Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Va. is asking RIAA execs to explain how they can collect royalties on various blank media at the same time that the RIAA members are implementing copy protection mechanisms, with particular reference to the Audio Home Recording Act (AHRA) of 1992." Glad someone is asking the question.

4 of 573 comments (clear)

  1. And its a good question by Breakfast+Pants · · Score: 3, Troll

    I think we all know the answer though. A massive bribe by the RIAA's lobbyists should answer any of the congressman's dilemas.

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    WHO ATE MY BREAKFAST PANTS?
  2. How do they do it? Duh.... they're greedy b*st*rds by kaladorn · · Score: 0, Troll

    They're being asked to explain how they can collect a tithe on all blank media sales and at the same time act to prevent copying... and I think the answer is obvious. They have lots of money, they have their artists in a rather nasty spot (work with us or you don't get the exposure and distribution you want), and they have a billion lawyers.

    I hardly think the "how" is a mystery. The why is equally obvious: More money == more power == more control. And we all know (don't we Mr. Gates?) that more control is a Very Good Thing (TM)... for the person or agency who holds that control!

    Since you can rent studio time and since you can now market your music over the Internet, shouldn't most bands and artists be telling the RIAA to "blow!"? Wouldn't that be the best way to put them in their place? They derive their revenue from a symbiotic (or probably more likely parasitic) relationship with artists. If the artists said "No siree, we ain't having that no more!", things would have to change.

    Of course, that might be one way to ensure you never make it big, but what happened to artistic integrity anyway?

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    -- Mal: "Well they tell you: never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious."
  3. It's about time! by dbretton · · Score: 0, Troll

    That's all I can offer up right now.

    Everyone now, say it together:

    Fuck you, RIAA!

    Feel better now? I do.

  4. Re:Hmm... by haruharaharu · · Score: 0, Troll

    why do you think Kurt killed himself?

    Well, if I were Kurt Cobain, I'd kill myself too.

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    Reboot macht Frei.