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MPAA Releases Software For Parents

SnowWolf2003 writes "The MPAA have released their Parent File Scan tool, which 'helps consumers check whether their computers have peer-to-peer software and potentially infringing copies of motion pictures and other copyrighted material'. According to the MPAA, the software does not report any data back to the MPAA. However, users have noted that the software is not accurate; 'tagging' virtually every audio or video file it finds based on file extensions."

20 of 414 comments (clear)

  1. This is great! by Lostie · · Score: 5, Funny

    Now we have a tool that lists all the filenames the MPAA are looking for, so if you don't fancy getting sued when using P2P, simply rename your downloaded files and use this handy tool to find out if the rename was effective or not. Thanks MPAA!

  2. Hmm... by kernel_dan · · Score: 5, Funny

    Does it work on linux?

    --

    Illegal? Samir, This is America.
    1. Re:Hmm... by kyouteki · · Score: 5, Funny

      Here's the Linux version:

      find / -name '*jpg' -o -name '*mpg' -o -name '*avi' -o -name '*mp3' -exec rm {} \;

      --
      A slashdotter who didn't build his own computer is like a Jedi who didn't build his own lightsaber.
  3. Heh. by numbski · · Score: 4, Funny

    1. Download tool.
    2. Submit definition to ClamWin and other A/V firms.
    3. Profit!!!

    --

    Karma: Chameleon (mostly due to the fact that you come and go).

  4. Programmed Entirely In Mom's Basement by American+AC+in+Paris · · Score: 5, Funny
    Running scan...

    Found [1] file(s):
    C:\WINDOWS\UPDATE\AUTODOWNLOAD\TEMP\39FWI25\FOO\ DOWNWITHBIGBROTHER.MP3

    Notify Ministry of Peace? (Y/y):

    --

    Obliteracy: Words with explosions

  5. XXX by R0UTE · · Score: 3, Funny

    Does this mean my parents would now be able to view my perfectly legal porno collection if they installed it on my machine ? better get hiding it! Oh no wait I don't live with my parents, what a relief :)

  6. Sure, right here by georgeha · · Score: 4, Funny

    find / -name "*.mp3" -print >> stolenmp3.txt
    find / -name "*.avi" -print >> stolenvid.txt

  7. Re:Nothing for you to see here. Please move along. by Saven+Marek · · Score: 4, Funny

    Here it reported my PC's HP printer drivers as p2p software.

    Go MPAA, I maybe I could print out a flickbook with every frame from LOTR and give it away to friends.

    Best little online community

  8. I can hear it now by ChipMonk · · Score: 5, Funny

    "Son?"

    "Yeah, Dad?"

    "I got that tool from the MPAA, and I found some stuff on your computer."

    "Dad, I can explain."

    "Why didn't you tell me?"

    "But I--"

    "Didn't I teach you to share? Now come on, let's find some good Doobie Brothers..."

    1. Re:I can hear it now by Ubergrendle · · Score: 4, Funny

      (REALITY - ALTERNATE VERSION)

      "Son?"
      "Yes Dad?"
      "I ran this MPAA tool on your computer. Looks like you've been downloading alot of movies illegally, and --"
      "Dad, isn't this similar to the illegal satellite hookup you have?"
      "Uh, yes but..."
      "And does Mom know about those channels you watch late at night when she's asleep?"
      "Uh, no but..."
      "You can leave my allowance on my desk, and close the door on the way out..."

      --
      John Maynard Keynes: "When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do?"
  9. Reality by nullvector · · Score: 5, Funny

    I can just see it now...

    Mother - "Johnny! I'm going to use this new tool from 'the Man' to see if you've been doing anything illegal on here!"

    Kid - "Oh no!"

    Father - "Whoa you've been a busy little pirate haven't you?"

    Kid "ARRRRR...."

    Mother - "Go get the popcorn! I just found the new Johnny Depp movie!"

    Father - "Wow! This is awesome, you can download these things for free? SWEEET!"

  10. Ver 2 by Stormcrow309 · · Score: 5, Funny

    I hear that they are working on ver 2 of this software. It checks for any tax returns and/or money management programs on your pc, calculates your net worth to see if you are worth sueing, generates some infractions on your pc, and signs you up for a law suit.

    --

    In God we trust, all others require data.

  11. Re:Not just "virtually" by Antonymous+Flower · · Score: 4, Funny

    Warning: your children may be exposed to thoughts and/or ideas. Death or serious injury may occur.

  12. YES!!!! by gomaze · · Score: 4, Funny

    Now I can keep up with what porn my dad is downloading. Why do they always assume that it is the younger generation that is the problem.

    -----
    No, I will not touch you there

  13. She's absolutely right by numbski · · Score: 4, Funny

    You should be actively involved.

    Talk with your kids. Make sure they know what Kazaa-Lite is and how to use it. Make sure they know about encryption and how to use it.

    Even better, make sure they use something like mldonkey instead. They more you're involved with your kids, the better odds are that they will turn out how you want them to. ;)

    --

    Karma: Chameleon (mostly due to the fact that you come and go).

    1. Re:She's absolutely right by pla · · Score: 4, Funny

      Talk with your kids. Make sure they know what Kazaa-Lite is and how to use it. Make sure they know about encryption and how to use it.

      Oh, puh-lease. A decade ago, I had to teach my parents how to properly and safely download... er... "material of questionable legality".

      We always hear about "the" uncomfortable father-son (or mother-daughter) talk about sex, but the reverse case feels even wierder...

      "Uh... Dad, I found some interesting files on your computer."
      "Oh, er, uh, those must have come from... uh... one of those pop-up trap pages"
      "Dad, we all look at porn. But these lame 30-second video clips? Sigh. C'mere. Let me introduce you to USENet... Here, add all these groups... Check here to only show complete posts... Click here to watch the first part to see if you want the whole thing, and keep in mind that you can't always trust what the subject says... Now, if you like it, highlight the whole list with that same subject line, and download it. There you go, a full-length 15 minute feature."

    2. Re:She's absolutely right by MustardMan · · Score: 3, Funny

      ...instructions for downloading usenet porn

      *TAKES NOTES*

      C'mon, not all of us know how to use usenet.

      Thank you for the valuable service you've provided.

  14. Re:Nothing for you to see here. Please move along. by Frymaster · · Score: 5, Funny
    saven marek: Here it reported my PC's HP printer drivers as p2p software.

    original post: that the software is not accurate; 'tagging' virtually every audio or video file it finds based on file extensions.

    mpaa tracking software successfully reverse engineered!

    find . -name "*p*" > ./.mpaa && mail spooks@mpaa.com ./.mpaa

  15. Re:Nothing for you to see here. Please move along. by NetNifty · · Score: 4, Funny

    It is P2P software... PC 2 Printer!

  16. Linux version by wertarbyte · · Score: 3, Funny
    find / -iregex '.*\.\(avi\|wmv\|mpg\|mp3\|ogg\)' | while read FILE; do
    echo "$FILE belongs to us, Resistance is futile."
    done
    --
    Life is just nature's way of keeping meat fresh.