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."

Comments

This is great!

[Lostie]

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!

Hmm...

[kernel_dan]

Does it work on linux?

Re:Hmm...

[kyouteki]

Here's the Linux version:

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

Heh.

[numbski]

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

Programmed Entirely In Mom's Basement

[American AC in Paris]

Running scan...

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

Notify Ministry of Peace? (Y/y):

Sure, right here

[georgeha]

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

Re:Nothing for you to see here. Please move along.

[Saven Marek]

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

I can hear it now

[ChipMonk]

"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..."

Re:I can hear it now

[Ubergrendle]

(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..."

Reality

[nullvector]

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!"

Ver 2

[Stormcrow309]

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.

Re:Not just "virtually"

[Antonymous Flower]

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

YES!!!!

[gomaze]

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

She's absolutely right

[numbski]

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. ;)

Re:She's absolutely right

[pla]

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."

Re:Nothing for you to see here. Please move along.

[Frymaster]

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

Re:Nothing for you to see here. Please move along.

[NetNifty]

It is P2P software... PC 2 Printer!