UK Plans to crininalize piracy

[bankraped]

http://tech.slashdot.org/story/09/08/17/2349241/In-the-UK-a-Plan-To-Criminalize-Illegal-Downloaders?art_pos=2
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/the-net-closes-in-on-internet-piracy-1772820.html


"It looks like the launch of the UK Pirate Party came not a moment too soon. The Independent reports that Business Secretary Lord Mandelson is going to take a hard-line stance to preserve copyright after intense lobbying by the music and film industry. 'Under the proposed laws, Ofcom, the industry regulator, would be given powers to require Internet service providers to collect information on those who downloaded pirate material. The data would be anonymous, but serious repeat infringers would be tracked down through their computer ID numbers.' Prospective punishments included restricting internet access, either slowing down an offender's broadband or disconnecting them altogether, and fines up to ?50,000. The Pirate Party came out against the scheme, calling it a gross invasion of civil liberties, while Tom Watson, the former minister for digital engagement, spoke out against the move, saying that the government should stop trying criminalize downloaders just so as to 'restore 20th-century incumbents to their position of power', but should instead be 'coming up with interventions that will nurture 21st-century creative talent.'"

Being as shit-poor as I am, I rely heavily on piracy for home entertainment. Games, software, music, films, books. All at my fingertips. I feel that if this shit passes in Britain, Ireland may soon follow. Good thing there's an Irish Pirate Party.

[Th0r]

There are musicians struggling - they're getting dropped much quicker. Those responsible are those downloading music illegally. There is no money going to bands any more'

Boo-fuckin'-hoo.

Bands and musicians as well as the music industry had 10 years to adapt and find ways of combatting piracy.

Their self pity is ridiculous. How many millions has Lily Allen earned over her career?

How many millions will your average British fellow make in his lifetime?

Another thing they've failed to grasp is how many people who illegally download music would buy it if there was no way to illegally obtain a copy for free?

It's a load of bullshit. Always has been. Always will be.

As for this legislation it's Labour's last attempt to gain the support of the corporations. I'm so fucking glad they're being ousted next year.

[Micro]

There is no money going to bands any more
I'd blame the recording industry at this point, not your coustomers.

[odin_dax]

I agree, Micro.

Since piracy is illegal anyway, I don't see why this is a surprise or something to cry about. Listen, piracy is illegal. If you can't afford it, don't download it unless you're willing to pay the price of being caught. Saying that these people are rich enough is no excuse.

[need2knowbases]

Exactly. I think that it is unrealistic to think that these companies should come up with ways to "stop" piracy, especially when it all boils down to if it can be encrypted it can be decrypted. So, all they can do is try to claim damages. However, I also think that they should go after people that do the sharing a lot more than people doing the downloading.

[torcher]

the RIAA generally sues for $20k per song...how much does the MPAA go for?

[need2knowbases]

the RIAA generally sues for $20k per song...how much does the MPAA go for?

see, THAT is crazy. is that for sharers or for downloaders? to me, i think what would make sense is for downloaders to pay something like the normal 99c to 1.50 per song plus a fee depending on the volume of tracks, i.e. 50 tracks = 1000, 100 tracks = 2500, etc... obviously those are pretty harsh but it's better than 20 grand.

[torcher]

$319,280,000...

[odin_dax]

see, THAT is crazy. is that for sharers or for downloaders? to me, i think what would make sense is for downloaders to pay something like the normal 99c to 1.50 per song plus a fee depending on the volume of tracks, i.e. 50 tracks = 1000, 100 tracks = 2500, etc... obviously those are pretty harsh but it's better than 20 grand.

Yeah, excessive fines are ridiculous. I wouldn't say it would be fair for downloaders to be charged only market price though. There has to be some sort of penalty.

Massive seeders should face serious fines and get their computers confiscated.

*Legal basis argument*

[need2knowbases]

Makes sense. Dealers are worse than users. People who make CP are worse than the people that download it (although that is kind of weak because they are pretty close.)

I really don't think there is a problem with downloaders paying market price though. Especially if they are solicited by the RIAA before going to court, therefore the RIAA doesn't have much extra cost.

[Morgan]

Europe seems to be more hell bent on taking down piracy than the United States. I rely on piracy everyday.

[Micro]

Europe seems to be more hell bent on taking down piracy than the United States. I rely on piracy everyday.

Well considering that a member of the Pirate Party got into the EU parliment and EU ruling that IP numbers are personal information it actually seems quite free around here.
And considering that you get a fine of 1,92million for sharing 24songs, one gets a fine of 3000€ for sharing a few houndred albums and 1800 songs.
And the britts have never liked individual freedoms, so this piracy thing is just one more thing going on.
And it smells like corruption, the guy who's pushing the law became interested in it just after he had dined with some top execs of recording industry.

[DoctaD]

I call for a referendum!!