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How To Frame a Printer For Copyright Infringement

An anonymous reader writes "Have you ever wondered what it takes to get 'caught' for copyright infringement on the Internet? Surprisingly, actual infringement is not required. The New York Times reports that researchers from the computer science department at the University of Washington have just released a study that examines how enforcement agencies monitor P2P networks and what it takes to receive a complaint today. Without downloading or sharing a single file, their study attracted more than 400 copyright infringement complaints. Even more disturbing is their discovery that illegal P2P participation can be easily spoofed; the researchers managed to frame innocent desktop machines and even several university printers, all of which received bogus complaints."

24 of 325 comments (clear)

  1. PC LOAD MUSIC by GigaHurtsMyRobot · · Score: 4, Funny

    Maybe now my employer will have to take down that LaserJet IIIp and upgrade to a newer model.

    1. Re:PC LOAD MUSIC by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      PC Load Music?

      WTF does that mean?

  2. Sweet! by Hankapobe · · Score: 4, Funny
    An inanimate object could also get the blame. The researchers rigged the software agents to implicate three laserjet printers, which were then accused in takedown letters by the M.P.A.A. of downloading copies of âoeIron Manâ and the latest Indiana Jones film.

    1. Download movies and sell them
    2. pin it on cop's printer
    3. in the meantime while they're arresting the printer
    4. Profit!
  3. Wow .... by gstoddart · · Score: 5, Funny

    So, will we have a variant on the Chewbacca defense?

    "Why would a printer, an inanimate object with no reproductive organs, be downloading pornography? It doesn't fit ... if the toner cartridge won't fit, you must acquit."

    Seriously though, it's good to see some credible research demonstrating that the methods that are used to identify file-sharers are completely arbitrary and can't be demonstrated to be valid.

    It would be nice to finally have enough evidence that Judges could basically say "Well, this methodology has been dis-credited, you need actual evidence."

    Now, if you excuse me, I'm going to try to devise a way to make it look like our printer has been downloading Will Farrel movies and films with Natalie Portman. :-P

    Cheers

    --
    Lost at C:>. Found at C.
    1. Re:Wow .... by OglinTatas · · Score: 5, Funny

      Why would a printer, an inanimate object with no reproductive organs... In other news, printers now have reproductive organs
  4. Sweet! by Layer+3+Ninja · · Score: 5, Funny

    Time to exact my revenge on that stupid Lexmark E240 of the 5th floor.

    --
    Power corrupts. Absolute power...is even more fun.
  5. Re:Glad it's in a reputable media source by Tom90deg · · Score: 5, Funny

    Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

  6. Re:As I said by KevinKnSC · · Score: 5, Funny

    I don't see how what you wear while speculating is relevant.

  7. Clippy helps me steal by DeadDecoy · · Score: 5, Funny

    Clippy: Looks like you're making a letter. Would you like help?
    Clippy: Looks like your letter is finished. Would you like me to print it?
    Clippy: Looks like you're infringing on a copyright. Would you like me to call you a lawyer?
    * Throws computer out window *

  8. Re:Glad it's in a reputable media source by Mephistro · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm a spanish Inquisitor, you insensitive clod!

  9. Re:Glad it's in a reputable media source by Eudial · · Score: 5, Funny

    Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition! Our three weapons are fear, surprise, and ruthless efficiency. And bogus copyright claims. Our four, ... no. Amongst our weaponry are such diverse elements as: fear, surprise, ruthless efficiency, and bogus copyright claims. ... I'll come in again.
    --
    GAAH! MY PRINTER IS ON FIRE!!! PUT IT OUT! PUT IT OUT!
  10. Ridiculous! by saterdaies · · Score: 5, Funny

    This is completely ridiculous and I'm sure any judge would see a printer downloading copyrighted songs as completely silly.

    So, anyone wanna help me get NetBSD on my Epson?

  11. Re:And? by Idbar · · Score: 4, Funny

    More important, do they have to be defended by lawyers, or can the fax machine do the job?

  12. Re:And? by powerlord · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm not sure, but I hear the PBX is looking to consolidate things into a Class Action.

    --
    This space for rent. All reasonable inquiries will be entertained at proprietors discretion.
  13. Re:iron man url and tracker by PopeRatzo · · Score: 4, Funny

    (just kidding, I'll wait for it to be released on dvd first)
    How quaint!

    --
    You are welcome on my lawn.
  14. Re:And? by EMeta · · Score: 4, Funny

    Just the fax, ma'am. Just the fax.

  15. Re:Glad it's in a reputable media source by DoofusOfDeath · · Score: 5, Funny

    Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

    Ha HAH! The Spanish Inquisition never expected a Hewlett Packard !

  16. Re:Glad it's in a reputable media source by MobileTatsu-NJG · · Score: 4, Funny

    I'm a spanish Inquisitor, you insensitive clod! Insensitive? He made that joke expecting you to not show up!
    --

    "I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)

  17. Re:Glad it's in a reputable media source by greed · · Score: 5, Funny

    "You are accused of heresy, in thought, word and deed! How do you plead?"

    PC LOAD LETTER

  18. Re:Simply send this message to the printer: by Actually,+I+do+RTFA · · Score: 4, Funny

    What the hell does that mean?

    Networked printer needs paper, badly.

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    Your ad here. Ask me how!
  19. Re:Glad it's in a reputable media source by HTTP+Error+403+403.9 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Only old people expect the Korean inquisition.

    --
    I'm not a Troll, it's reverse psychology.
  20. Case 08OV003345 by Mateorabi · · Score: 4, Funny
    I liked Case # 08OV003345:

    CVS PHARMACY STORE 6 24 8 402 130 08OV003345 0 SALE OF EXPIRED BABY 1-7 Arraignment
    I mean what gall they have to sell expired babies to their customers!
    --
    "You saved 1968." - Ms. Valerie Pringle to the crew of Apollo 8

  21. Re:Glad it's in a reputable media source by nbowman · · Score: 5, Funny

    PC Load letter, what the fuck does that mean?!

  22. Re:Glad it's in a reputable media source by anexkahn · · Score: 4, Funny

    someone should start spoofing MPAA machines of sharing music and RIAA machines of sharing movies...that should make for some fireworks!

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