It looks like the next phase of legal code for advancing the Virtual Enclosures is in the works. This article by Eric Hellweg explains the new “Intellectual Property Act[IPPA]” that is in the legal pipeline. Apparently under this new act, fast-forwarding through recorded commercials would be illegal, and p2p networks would become illegal.
Now, speaking as an artist, I find this utterly objectionable. Because some corporations who represent artists don’t want p2p around, then I as an independent artist would be deprived of my main avenue for finding my audience. This is just wrong.
Look at the language used by an RIAA spokesperson:
“We certainly support it,” says Jonathan Lamy, spokesperson for the RIAA. “It includes a number of things to strengthen the hand of law enforcement to combat piracy. Intellectual property theft is a national security crime. It’s appropriate that the fed dedicate resources to deter and prosecute IP theft.”
The “War On Nouns” mindset is leaking: we need to “combat” “piracy” for national security. Amazing.
For more information on the IPPA, look on the Public Knowledge site.