Tech heavies support challenge to copyright law

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It's legal to do what's legal

This quote from the article shows the DMCA's tormented logic:

Boucher's bill says that descrambling utilities can be distributed, and copy protection can be circumvented as long as no copyright infringement is taking place.

One participant in the coalition, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said its members already have met with representatives of more than 20 congressional offices. Their sales pitch: Beyond harming "fair use" rights, the DMCA also endangers computer research vital to national security.


Think about this description of the intent of the proposed law: "... copy protection can be circumvented as long as no copyright infringement is taking place."

So under current law the situation is: Bypassing copy protection for legitimate purposes is illegal.
Or, DRM may be used to prevent people from legal use of materials they purchased.

This will not be a surprise to those who have followed the actions of Congress, but it's worth stating clearly here.

The proposed law makes it legal to do something legal. And it's being fought against.

The argument in favor is not just, "Have you noticed we [Congress] did something stupid?" It's "DRM helps terrorists by harming National Security research."
That's a ridiculous argument. I'd like to see RIAA take government security researchers to court. I'd pay for tickets. But this argument may be the only way to persuade Congress to do something sensible.
So go for it!

You might also notice how much impact all your letters had. There's a chance for results when the issue is bothering the important constituents, the manufacturing companies.
I'm not happy about that, either.

Posted by: Anton Philidor   Posted on: 06/22/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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