Slashdot Mirror
Congress Again Considering Database Protection Bill
An anonymous reader writes "Yahoo News is reporting on a new bill in Congress: '... a proposed bill that would prevent wholesale copying of school guides, news archives and other databases which do not enjoy copyright protection.'" The idea of database protection legislation has been kicking around for a long time. It's a bad idea, but it would make a lot of money for a few companies, so they keep pushing it, and no doubt will eventually get it passed.
"In other cases, pornographic Web site operators have copied real-estate listings and lawyers' directories to lure unwitting visitors, he said. The law could help those who make information available for free online, said Kupferschmid."
...and this, your honour, is why I believe that this lawyer copied my client's porno-database!
Do we really need a law that allows porno-sites to sue house-owners and lawyers when they download their online resources?
"If database producers know they have some law to fall back on when someone steals their database, they'll be much more willing to get that information out there for free,"
I see. The classic SCO-ploy.
"Violators could be shut down and be forced to pay triple the damages they incurred."
Judge: I'm disgusted. Shoot him down with quad damage!
Lawyer: You are transgressing the law!
Judge: I'm exaggerating. Frag this bastard.
-- On a second thought, let's not pass this - it's a silly law...