http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/headline/tech/2647456 WASHINGTON - People who secretly videotape movies when they are shown in theaters could go to prison for up to three years under a bill approved unanimously by the U.S. Senate today. Hackers and industry insiders who distribute music, movies or other copyrighted works before their official release date would also face stiffened penalties under the bill, which passed by voice vote. Copies of hit movies frequently show up on the Internet while they're still in theaters, allowing skinflint fans to see new releases like "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" without coughing up the price of a ticket. Pirates sneak camcorders into movie theaters to tape films directly off the screen, while industry insiders also leak copies to tech-savvy hackers before they're officially released. The U.S. Customs Department has estimated that such "warez" distribution groups are responsible for 95 percent of all pirated material available online. Those found guilty would face up to three years in prison for a first offense, or five years if it was done for profit. Repeat offenders could spend 10 years behind bars. Copyright holders would be able to sue for damages. The Justice Department would get an extra $5 million per year through 2009 for enforcement. "We are now one step closer to making thefts far more difficult, prosecution of criminals much easier, and the protection of consumers and artists much stronger," said Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, a sponsor of the bill. In the House, a similar bill was approved by a subcommittee in March. Differences between the two bills were minimal and could be easily resolved, Cornyn said in a statement.
This country has got problems. And its biggest is the law. Forget poverty, forget people getting killed for nothing. Whats really important is making sure 16-year-old kids can’t sneak into a movie theater with a camera. Because suffering is a problem, but NOTHING compared to big businesses losing a buck or two
I never thought I'd say this but between his support of the Federal Marriage Amendent, the Flag Burning Amendment and his religious discrimination by government sponsored charities, John Cornyn is starting to make me miss Phil Graham.
This is just wrong. I don't care about this bill. I was up on 96th Street today, there was a kid couldn't have been more than ten years old. He was asking a street vendor if he had any other bootlegs as good as Death Blow. That's who I care about. The little kid who needs bootlegs, because his parent or guardian won't let him see the excessive violence and strong sexual content you and I take for granted.
Here's the question, since it's talking about distributers, does that mean file sharers can get 3 - 5yrs in prison? That to me would be insane. At that point I'll have to using stuff like bt and kazaa and go to China more.
