Copyright bill poses threat to iPod's future

[PotatoBoy]

This is probably old news, so I didn't post under LBN, but for those who haven't heard:

Copyright bill poses threat to iPod's future

Apple's sleek digital audio device is one of the most successful tech toys, selling more than 3 million units since November 2001.

But its future, with that of other new tech gadgets, could be in trouble if a controversial congressional bill passes. That's according to opponents of the Inducing Infringement of Copyrights Act in the Senate. It would make operators of media-swap networks such as Kazaa and Grokster liable for users' actions. It also would make it easier for entertainment companies to sue tech firms for copyright infringement.

Opponents say the language is so broad it could apply to makers of MP3 players, such as iPod, and CD and DVD recorders, as well as to media organizations that give consumers tips on using digital content.


http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/technology/2004-07-05-induce-act_x.htm

Oh great... so let's punish Apple for producing a device that some people choose to abuse by filling it with illegally downloaded music. While we're at it, let's punish automobile manufacturers for all the drunk drivers out there. And let's punish Internet providers for all the people who use it for drug deals, child pornography, forming terrorist factions, etc. etc.

In this instance, Patrick Leahy and the other supporters of this bill CAN go f*** themselves! :mad: I think I'm gonna write an angry letter to Patrick.

[Ready4Change]

1. People store MP3's on all home computer makes.

So, sue IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Sony...