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Copyright Lobbies Threaten Federal College Funding

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. MPAA Applauds Senate Support by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    MPAA Applauds Senator Reid's Decision to push University Copyright Compliance and Surveillance Bill. Would affect all fedrally funded unis. Read more here: news.mpaa.com/article.pl?sid=07/07/24/174240

  2. Ron Paul! by strtok_r · · Score: -1, Troll

    As an Aspie, Dr. Paul understands the Internet and Copyright Law. He wouldn't let the Feds pass such evil legislation.

  3. It's easy to be against - solution? by Depris · · Score: -1, Troll

    I understand where everyone is coming from regarding extreme laws... but honestly I've been to college... and all most people do in their dorms is sit around and 'steal' movies and music. It would be nice if movies and music were free... but they cost a lot of money to make and a lot of work goes into them... older methods of distribution just aren't effective... and at the same time everyone (including the artists) is basically losing money... and if they just let that happen one day they won't have much money. So whats the solution? Come up with a solution... It doesn't do anyone any good to say "that doesn't happen"... because I'm here to tell you that yes it does... a lot. The only reason I was against any laws holding people responsible (at least to some degree) for copyright infringement is because the government was fascist and the punishments were extreme... and because they were trying to use the courts/criminal charges to force people. The real solution is for technology experts on both sides to come up with a way to deter it. It will never be completely erased... and the average person isn't even smart enough to use all the tools currently available... but giving everyone the ability to just log on to a p2p program and download whatever they want instead of buying it will lead to a bankrupt industry for music and movies. I don't know about you but most of my favorite movies weren't made in someones garage with a new mac. It's nice when people do that... but no I don't want to see professional art disappear in favor of someones amateur attempts.

    --
    I'll make you a deal. You pray to God for help and I'll stop the moment he shows up.
    1. Re:It's easy to be against - solution? by Depris · · Score: 0, Troll

      well it's not all they do heh ... but in terms of using the computer thats what they do... kids today are really dumb... they might be using their computer to write something... but most of the time it's movies and music. People always seem to point to free art... and claim the "beethoven" model works. Okay friend.. it's not the middle ages... it's the 21st century... that model "doesn't work" anymore. I saw a free song called "poop in the pool". ... I have no interest in that. I do have a lot of interest in "good music" like Pink Floyd. One of them is free ... the other one is not.

      --
      I'll make you a deal. You pray to God for help and I'll stop the moment he shows up.
  4. Re:{sigh} by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Troll

    by protecting commerce from thieves the legislature is protecting more than mere lobbyists. they're protecting jobs and taxes.
     
    when you grow up a little bit maybe you'll understand how the economy works. people taking what isn't theirs but is available for sale hurts the economy. to government needs to protect the economy to protect the nation from fiscal disaster.
     
    stop trying to justify your thievery. this music is not yours to take. if you think it costs too much than boycott it.