1 Apr
2002
1 Apr
'02
10:45 p.m.
Wrong. 4500+ copies is "mass distribution."
http://www.usatoday.com/life/cyber/tech/2002/03/29/video-bootleg.htm
In any event, the DMCA was intended to address not only
those who distribute copies, but those who provide
"circumvention devices" that enable others to engage
in mass distribution. Doesn't it make as much sense to
go after those involved in "mass distribution"
of the circumvention device, such as DeCSS?
I just read the article... the person convicted was using what I
believe is an *analog* device... but I suppose the difference
between a digital device and an analog device won't matter to
the Supreme Court. Now, this guy was *way* wrong... but he
could have been prosecuted under any number of preexisting
laws. Locally, a guy did this over 20 years ago with audio tapes
(cassettes), was busted by the FBI, but worked out a deal, and
not only didn't do jail time, but is considered the Premier Merchant
locally for audio software...
-dq
-Douglas Hurst Quebbeman (DougQ at ixsnayamspayIgLou.com) [Call me "Doug"]
Surgically excise the pig-latin from my e-mail address in order to reply
"The large print giveth, and the small print taketh away." -Tom Waits