Probably because something similar was attempted last year.
Of course, this year's version of the Intellectual Property Protection Act is even better than last year's, for values of 'better' which include 'stupider', 'more idiotic', and 'closer to the threshold of absolute insanity'.
I've taken the liberty of pulling bullet points from the article linked above:
* Criminalize "attempting" to infringe copyright. Next thing you know, this includes attempting to install MPlayer, and failing miserably because MPlayer is (or at least was) a bear to get running. Next up? Criminalizing even thinking about decrypting a DVD on an unsupported operating system.
* Create a new crime of life imprisonment for using pirated software. To clarify, this life imprisonment would only apply if you endangered somebody's life recklessly or purposefully by using less-than-legally-attained intellectual property. Of course, I thought this sort of thing was already a crime even if you weren't using less-than-legally-attained intellectual property, but if the government says we need new laws, clearly we do.
* Permit more wiretaps for piracy investigations. More wiretaps = always better. In this instance, we would be authorizing wiretaps for people attempting to infringe copyright, not merely those who are actually infringing copyright. Given the astronomically high number of new law enforcement officers this would require, we would also completely eliminate unemployment. It's a win-win situation.
* Allow computers to be seized more readily. Yes you, if we think you're intending to use your little piece of electronics to copy a small .mp3 from The Internets, will be allowed to donate said electronic device to further the cause of Truth, Justice, and The American Way Of Civil Asset Forfeiture.
* Increase penalties for violating the Digital Millennium Copyright Act's anticircumvention regulations. Now, not only will we be able to throw you in jail for 10 years and fine you a million dollars, but we can take stuff you have lying around as well. It's all for your own good.
* Require Homeland Security to alert the Recording Industry Association of America. To happen when someone tries to import unauthorized copies of musical performances. Because, uh, the RIAA is now a full-fledged arm of federal law enforcement. And more specialler than the MPAA. So there, take that!
Let's not forget, of course, that this year the Attorney General is taking a personal interest in this bit of legislation. Apparently he decided this was more important than trying to remember whether or not he's been spending time attempting to politicize the entire Department of Justice. Such stellar prioritization! I am in awe.
Posted by Ardith at May 15, 2007 06:13 PM | TrackBack