As we have seen from the rapid rise in carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain injuries, etc., as a result of the increase in computer (and perhaps video game) use, overuse/misuse of the arms/wrists/hands can have major negative effects on people - I wonder if devices like this will just make matters that much worse by requiring even more rapid and jerky movements. On the other hand, is it possible that the range of motion will actually be an improvement over typing and other current methods of interaction?
I'm not familiar with the iTunes payment scheme works, however I doubt it takes the form of an executable file. The key here is that a file is run, and you are automatically charged. There doesn't even have to be anyone at the computer - it could be done by a virus or accidentally put on a schedule. Trojans only complicate the matter. Unlike most web merchants that use cookies (e.g. amazon.com), which require the person click through multiple screens and acknowledge payment, or other software (I suspect iTunes might fit this) which require you be in a specific program and make selections within it, the "automatic" concept would remove several (virtually all) layers of security. Also, how would a user know how much a song costs? If it were traded on Kazaa, what would prevent people from labeling $10 items as $0.10? Without confirmation dialogs, it just won't work.
Not these kinds of laws - the implications are far too great. Music copyright laws only affect the music industry, which is itself 90+% RIAA-based (the RIAA lobbies "on behalf" of all the major labels). DRM laws only affect the computer software and multimedia industries, and furthermore only affect specific content which the owners have decided to protect. While DRM may not be something you like, there's no reason it shouldn't be available to those who want it; if a musician doesn't want their music protected, they're free to go independent, etc..
"Automatic payment" is an entirely different matter.
As far as I can imagine, "automatic payment" won't survive in a court. Unless you authorize payment, it's theft - setting up the account isn't authorization enough. The second they charge you, you can bring up a suit saying that you didn't download that song, your 7-year-old did, who isn't old enough to participate in the contract, etc.. I don't see how they expect to prove you payed if the transfer is completely automatic (no digital signiture, no entry of credit card info at time of purchase, no "Click Here to Order," etc.).
Imagine a virus that downloads tens of thousands of songs to your computer. Then imagine the automatic money transfer. Then imagine the lawsuit you'll have if they won't give back the money.
A few major players in the UN may be anti-US, but the effects are negligible; the US doesn't obey the UN/international treaties on issues the gov't feels would have a major negative (or prevent a major positive) impact on the country/economy (e.g. the Kyoto Protocol, Operation Iraqi Freedom, bioweapons).
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As we have seen from the rapid rise in carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive strain injuries, etc., as a result of the increase in computer (and perhaps video game) use, overuse/misuse of the arms/wrists/hands can have major negative effects on people - I wonder if devices like this will just make matters that much worse by requiring even more rapid and jerky movements. On the other hand, is it possible that the range of motion will actually be an improvement over typing and other current methods of interaction?
I'm not familiar with the iTunes payment scheme works, however I doubt it takes the form of an executable file. The key here is that a file is run, and you are automatically charged. There doesn't even have to be anyone at the computer - it could be done by a virus or accidentally put on a schedule. Trojans only complicate the matter. Unlike most web merchants that use cookies (e.g. amazon.com), which require the person click through multiple screens and acknowledge payment, or other software (I suspect iTunes might fit this) which require you be in a specific program and make selections within it, the "automatic" concept would remove several (virtually all) layers of security. Also, how would a user know how much a song costs? If it were traded on Kazaa, what would prevent people from labeling $10 items as $0.10? Without confirmation dialogs, it just won't work.
Not these kinds of laws - the implications are far too great. Music copyright laws only affect the music industry, which is itself 90+% RIAA-based (the RIAA lobbies "on behalf" of all the major labels). DRM laws only affect the computer software and multimedia industries, and furthermore only affect specific content which the owners have decided to protect. While DRM may not be something you like, there's no reason it shouldn't be available to those who want it; if a musician doesn't want their music protected, they're free to go independent, etc..
"Automatic payment" is an entirely different matter.
As far as I can imagine, "automatic payment" won't survive in a court. Unless you authorize payment, it's theft - setting up the account isn't authorization enough. The second they charge you, you can bring up a suit saying that you didn't download that song, your 7-year-old did, who isn't old enough to participate in the contract, etc.. I don't see how they expect to prove you payed if the transfer is completely automatic (no digital signiture, no entry of credit card info at time of purchase, no "Click Here to Order," etc.).
Imagine a virus that downloads tens of thousands of songs to your computer. Then imagine the automatic money transfer. Then imagine the lawsuit you'll have if they won't give back the money.
"the UN is about as anti-US as they come"
A few major players in the UN may be anti-US, but the effects are negligible; the US doesn't obey the UN/international treaties on issues the gov't feels would have a major negative (or prevent a major positive) impact on the country/economy (e.g. the Kyoto Protocol, Operation Iraqi Freedom, bioweapons).