Audio Video News

The recording and movie industries have finally gone totally bonkers. They are demanding that the federal government mandate spyware on consumers' PCs--and that's just for starters.

The spyware envisioned by the Recording Industry Association of America and the Motion Picture Association of America would be sort of like antivirus software from some perverse alternate universe. It would be aimed at "managing copyright infringement from the home." Here's the translation from the Electronic Freedom Foundation: "...The entertainment industry thinks consumers should voluntarily install software that constantly scans our computers and identifies (and perhaps deletes) files found to be 'infringing'."

Oh wait, there's more. The RIAA and MPAA also want network administrators and ISPs to "implement those solutions...to address infringement on their networks." Methods would include protocol filtering, fingerprinting, and bandwidth throttling. The EFF suggests this would simply drive illicit downloading further underground.

And you think getting through airport security is fun now? RIAA/MPAA: "...Points of entry into the United States are underused venues for educating the public about the threat to our economy (and to public safety) posed by counterfeit and pirate products. Customs forms should be amended to require the disclosure of pirate or counterfeit items being brought into the United States." EFF: "Does that iPod in your hand luggage contain copies of songs extracted from friends' CDs? Is your computer storing movies ripped from DVD (handy for conserving battery life on long trips)? Was that book you bought overseas 'licensed' for use in the United States? These are the kinds of questions the industry would like you to answer on your customs form when you cross borders or return home from abroad."

The joint RIAA/MPAA comment (PDF) was filed with the U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator, a White House appointee. Note to elected officials: Consumers vote.

Also see rejoinder by the Electronic Freedom Foundation. Tip of the hat to Gizmodo.