I'd read about this proposed law late last year (in Wired), but promptly forgot about it. Last night, while bouncing all over the net, I came across this opinion.
What if I want to give away my own original software?
It seems to me that the SSSCA would virtually eliminate 'fair use' in the digital realm. It would also cripple American technology companies. Our government might be able to force Americans to use devices with sleazy copy protection, but which hard drive will Joe Foreigner buy: a Japanese drive that lets him move files around freely, or an American drive that costs more and won't store MP3s?
Japan and South Korea must be pleasedwith the proposed bill. It would certainly mean more international business for them. Perhaps the bill could single-handedly spur Asia's recovery from their economic depression.
I hope that the public gets hold of this issue and actually grasps how wrong this law would be. Eisner really deserves to be vilified for equating fair use with theft. I hope he loses big on this and I hope the Eldred case goes against his desires too.
Peace.
What if I want to give away my own original software?
It seems to me that the SSSCA would virtually eliminate 'fair use' in the digital realm. It would also cripple American technology companies. Our government might be able to force Americans to use devices with sleazy copy protection, but which hard drive will Joe Foreigner buy: a Japanese drive that lets him move files around freely, or an American drive that costs more and won't store MP3s?
Japan and South Korea must be pleasedwith the proposed bill. It would certainly mean more international business for them. Perhaps the bill could single-handedly spur Asia's recovery from their economic depression.
I hope that the public gets hold of this issue and actually grasps how wrong this law would be. Eisner really deserves to be vilified for equating fair use with theft. I hope he loses big on this and I hope the Eldred case goes against his desires too.
Peace.
.