Verizon ordered to name downloaders
Verizon lost its appeal and will now have to turn over the names of four anonymous subscribers accused of illegal file swapping to the RIAA. Verizon's concern now is that under the DMCA copyright holders can subpoena information without first seeking a judge's blessing, making it an easier and cheaper method for tracking down alleged copyright infringers. [c|net] [Original ruling here.]
Sen. Sam Brownback is preparing a bill that would limit digital copy-protection efforts. The bill would limit some of the devices movie studios and recording companies use to prevent rampant copying of their products. It would also make it more difficult to track down those who trade songs and movies online. [U.S. senator prepares digital-copyright bill via Reuters]
Previous posts indicated that the RIAA may now use the No Electronic Theft Act [NET] to go after file swappers. Also, the WSJ reported on Freenet software that subscribers could use to shield their identities or disguise their IP information and Wired reported on PeerGuardian which can create a personal firewall that blocks the IP addresses of snoops. Of course, you should determine whether the Super-DMCA is applicable before utilizing any such software.
Sen. Sam Brownback is preparing a bill that would limit digital copy-protection efforts. The bill would limit some of the devices movie studios and recording companies use to prevent rampant copying of their products. It would also make it more difficult to track down those who trade songs and movies online. [U.S. senator prepares digital-copyright bill via Reuters]
Previous posts indicated that the RIAA may now use the No Electronic Theft Act [NET] to go after file swappers. Also, the WSJ reported on Freenet software that subscribers could use to shield their identities or disguise their IP information and Wired reported on PeerGuardian which can create a personal firewall that blocks the IP addresses of snoops. Of course, you should determine whether the Super-DMCA is applicable before utilizing any such software.
