U.S. Sides with Record Labels Over DMCA Subpoena Powers

Injektilo* writes "The Washington Port is reporting that the U.S. government sided with the recording industry in its dispute with Verizon Communications Inc. on Friday, saying a digital-copyright law invoked by record labels to track down Internet song-swappers did not violate the U.S. Constitution." We've been following this case.

Comments

In cahoots

[DrLudicrous]

It's not just the Republicans that are in cahoots with the RIAA- the Democrats are just as bad. Even if we had a different executive administration, the RIAA would still have governmental support in cases like this. How can the American public's voice be heard when its elected officials repeated do not accurately represent them, and kowtow to corporate interests? What can be done?

Re:In cahoots

[Pharmboy]

Why don't one of you whiners do something like stand for election youselves, instead of posting about it on Slashdot?

The whole idea of a Democratic Republic (like the US)is to elect people to represent our interests, not necessarily to vote the same way we would. Complaining about the way our Congress votes on a matter isn't whining, its political expression. The whole idea of individuals speaking out freely where our representatives can see, in the hopes to influence their votes is the whole idea behind America. Free speech is not just so you can complain TO the government, but about it to others to influence them as well.

With all due respect, you seem to miss that point entirely with your overreaction to something most of us consider important: The right to bitch about our elected officials. Newspapers express political opinions that are not directed only to the elected officials. So do TV, radio and internet news sites. People discuss politics in barbershops, cafe's and even on online posting news sites, like Slashdot. It lets other hear it, it has the potential to influence.

In our society, complaining IS doing something. Implying that someone should either run for office or shut up is so against free speech, that I surprised to even hear you say it. If you don't want to hear opinions, then I suggest you stay off Slashdot.

speaking of the record industry...

[Anonymous Coward]

guess what hillary rosen's up to these days?

just heard this report by investigative journalist greg pallast that says she been tasked with re-writing iraq's intellectual property laws.

so we've got corporate vultures writing iraqs laws... people with no experience in government or nation building... pretty disturbing.

Meaningless

[Anonymous Coward]

This brief is essentially meaningless. It has no legal bearing. Ashcroft's justice department has been anti-Constitution since day one. Constitutionally speaking, the RIAA needs a warrant to get this information. The only question is whether the Federal and/or Supreme Court have the enough integrity to uphold the Constitution.

Wow, this story is confusing.

[GigsVT]

Seems like bad journalism at its finest.

The story says the Justice department merely filed a brief with the court stating their position, yet they refer to it as a "ruling". So which is it?

"Verizon's persistent efforts to protect copy thieves on pirate peer-to-peer networks will not succeed," [RIAA's Matt Oppenheimer] told Reuters.

Copy Thieves. heh

How to help Verizon?

[einhverfr]

From the article:
Verizon says such a move is necessary to protect user privacy because otherwise any copyright holder -- or anybody claiming to be a copyright holder -- could easily obtain the name and address of any Internet user.

Ok. Here is the idea--

By default everybody owns the copyright to everything they write, right? Which means that everybody problably owns a copyright to something....

Lets all claim that our college papers may be being passed around Kazaa, and ask Verizon for the name and address of everyone using this network. Or pick your favorite P2P.

Submit this request in writing, etc.

This should give Verizon legal ammo to use against the RIAA.

Since I have written some interesting articles and documents, maybe I will do this first :-)

Profits....

[DarkBlackFox]

Seems the record companies are complaining of lack of revenue in CD sales... yet they have no qualms about spending millions in legal fees to piss off consumers. Makes you wonder if they are so poor as to invoke legal protection to increase revenue, where does all the money to lobby legislature and hire lawyers come from? I think the US needs to seriously investigate it's priorities as per legal disputes... should it be aiding multi billion dollar industries by granting almost dictatorial powers, or helping the average American consumer live a free and happy life? Seems it's current stance is based more on financial gains than consumer protection.

Re:Very simple

[Chemical]

Four simple reasons:

1. The US has too many apathetic citizens who don't care enough about anything to vote third party.
2. We also have too many zealous sheep who strongly support their "party line", no matter what it is.
3. In addition, most people consider a third party vote as "throwing your vote away", as it means a vote is being taken away from a realistic candidate, and gives a person you absolutely don't want in power a better chance (many people blame Nader for Gore's loss in the 2000 election).
4. Finally, most third-party candidates are either out-of-touch idealists or teetering on the edge of insanity. Who's to say having them in power would be a good thing

   A non-Repub/Demo leadership in Washington is not very likely. Ever.