USA Today: "Copyright Bill Poses Threat To iPod's Future"

[Kent Pribbernow]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/technology/2004-07-05-induce-act_x.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/technology/2004-07-05-induce-act_x.htm</a><br /><br /></div><i>"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."</i><br /> <br />If this bill passes as it stands, the portable audio device maket could be in deep trouble. Basically, the bill would allow the RIAA and entertainment companies to force device makers like Apple to halt sales of their products which enable consumers to playback pirated music. Even hardware devices such as CD and DVD players could be included. Very dumb. :roll:<br /><br />One group apposed to this bill has even setup a web site, called <a href="http://savetheipod.com/index1.php">Save The iPod</a>, encouraging readers to fax or email their state senators and help refine the INDUCE Act.

[dean_shan]

Sent a letter to my Senator. Thanks for the link.

[Zack Mahdavi]

Me too.. thanks. :) Stupid RIAA... they annoy me more and more as the days pass.

[mcsouth]

....funny, the horsey folks tried to ban automobiles back years ago....seems those smelly autos were scaring the horses....

The RIAA just doesn't get it....you guys aren't Moses....you can't part the Red Sea.....you can't hold back the tide.....you need to accept this paradigm, and learn how to work (and profit) in it, like Apple and others are doing.

At some point, I have to wonder if the artists themselves will rebel against the RIAA and their restrictive tendencies........

[Pony99CA]

One group apposed to this bill has even setup a web site, called Save The iPod (http://savetheipod.com/index1.php), encouraging readers to fax or email their state senators and help refine the INDUCE Act.
I sent the fax because this legislation does sound stupid. I included a personal comment about how the DMCA has already spawned ridiculous lawsuits (Lexmark's printer cartridge one, for example) and had a chilling effect on research.

Howver, I have to wonder if the iPod would really get hurt. Can the iPod play any music format or just AAC? If it's just AAC, is there a big source of stolen music in that format?

Steve

[dean_shan]

iPods play MP3 and AAC. AACs do not have to be DRM'd. You could bootleg music with AAC if you really wanted too.