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Copyright Lobbies Threaten Federal College Funding

Posted by Zonk on from the i-went-to-school-in-a-very-different-time dept.

plasmacutter writes "The EFF is raising the alarm regarding provisions injected into a bill to renew federal funding for universities. These new provisions call for institutions of higher learning to filter their internet connections and twist student's arms over 'approved' digital media distribution services. 'Under said provision: Each eligible institution participating in any program under this title shall to the extent practicable — (2) develop a plan for offering alternatives to illegal downloading or peer-to-peer distribution of intellectual property as well as a plan to explore technology-based deterrents to prevent such illegal activity. Similar provisions in last year's bill did not survive committee, it appears however that this bill is headed toward the full house for vote.' Responding to recriminations over this threat to university funding, an MPAA representative claims federal funds should be at risk when copyright infringement happens on campus networks." We've previously discussed this topic, as well as similar issues.

5 of 277 comments (clear)

  1. These 4-Letter Trade Groups... by blcamp · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...continue to do things that merit 4-letter words directed at them.

    They need to learn another 4-letter term: RICO.

    --
    The problem with socialism is that they always run out of other people's money. - Margaret Thatcher
  2. The Amish Method. by Deathlizard · · Score: 5, Funny

    Frankly there's only two ways you can stop piracy from happening on college grounds.

    1) Buy everyone in the school music accounts to download music thus rasing the tutition, Which enrages students and punishes students who prefer going to buy their music at music stores, and will ultimetly result in retention levels dropping in an already competitive market as it is.

    Or

    2) The Amish Method. Cut the internet cable since there's nothing on the market that can assure 100% piracy free internet, ban all computers since they can make MP3's using a line in jack and a CD player, and ultimely ban electric power from everywhere on campus, since they could possibly use electricy to copy a tape with a boombox or operate an electric guitar.

    At least the english, math and history professors would be happy with #2, since calculators would be banned and people would have to be forced to write their thesis's on parchment. Of course, Victrolas would have to be banned too, but it's hard finding a wind up one these days. Maybe they'll come back in vogue.

    --
    In Soviet Russia, Trojan exploits YOU!
  3. The Universities Answer; by paiute · · Score: 4, Funny

    Anyone employed by the RIAA has his or her degree(s) annulled. Let's see how many lawsuits are accepted by the courts from a bunch of laypersons with only high school diplomas.

    --
    If Slashdot were chemistry it would look like this:Cadaverine
  4. Re:Who makes money here? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Thank you for the free advertisement, we're getting thousands of hits from this page. I'm sure you'll find our products excellent.

    Regards,

    Richard McEnroe
    CIO REDLAMBDA INTERNAZIONAL

  5. Re:At some point, we're going to have to shoot the by smacNhawaii · · Score: 2, Funny

    Thank you for your post. In the real (as opposed to virtual) world, I sometimes feel very alone in my opinions.
    To think, education takes second place to fostering consumerism. And, really, you have to be stupid to buy their product. It makes an evil sort of sense.