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Copyright Bill could Stifle Innovation

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the overpowered-blanket-legislation dept.

binder520 writes "Wired has an article on how the latest Senate Bill, sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), will hold technology companies liable for supplying devices or software that can be used to illegally copy music, videos, software, etc. It looks like it is time to write to your senators, because the verbiage in the bill is too subjective for any technology company to stand up to the media giants. Say good bye to your VCR, MP3 players, CD/DVD burners, etc."

5 of 597 comments (clear)

  1. Memory Copyright Infringements Next? by mfh · · Score: 5, Funny

    Pretty soon, it's going to be illegal to even look at or listen to something covered by copyright protection. If you think about it, our brains keep a copy of everything we come into contact with in our memories. With science ever progressing towards Utopia, it won't be long before we are able to access and re-experience memories as if we were right there in the moment we first experienced them. "Just look in this little pen right here and say cheese! *FLASH* You will not remember anything about seeing Men In Black 7. You will be happy and do something special for everyone in your life. Thank you from the MPAA!"

    --
    The dangers of knowledge trigger emotional distress in human beings.
    1. Re:Memory Copyright Infringements Next? by radixvir · · Score: 5, Insightful

      You will not remember anything about seeing Men In Black 7.

      I wish i couldnt remember anything about seeing the first two, thats for sure.

      But seriously, how many people hate Orin Hatch at this point? he seems to sell out to about any company gives him money. i wish this guy would just go away.

  2. Address of Your Senator/Representative by mlmitton · · Score: 5, Informative
    I thought it would be helpful to point out a link where you can find the address and phone numbers of your representatives.

    For the house:

    http://clerk.house.gov/members/index.html

    For the senate:

    http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/ senators_cfm.cfm>

    Let's make a difference!

    --
    "My girlfriend's got sodium laureth sulfate hair."
  3. Re:Just great... by mcpkaaos · · Score: 5, Funny

    Q: What could be worse than marrying a mormon?

    A: Marrying two.

    --
    It goes from God, to Jerry, to me.
  4. Re:Wow by Donoho · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Taken from Wired article: "The bill as it is currently drafted is extremely broad and not entirely clear. It would, at a minimum, undermine the Sony Betamax decision."

    Innovation isn't the target, just an acceptable liability. Politicians that submit/subscribe to such legislation are clearly more concerned about protecting the pockets of corporations/industries at the expense of technological innovation or cultural changes that would shift power away from them.

    --
    Michalangelo Progr