[ale] DMCA Protests]

[Ned Williams]

"Joseph A. Knapka" wrote:

> Wandered Inn wrote:
> >
> > Chris Woodruff wrote:
> > >
> > > The real issue is that the DMCA makes developing the tools to bypass locks
> > > illegal.  I am not advocating that all content be free.  It shouldn't and
> > > should be the property of the author.  What I do see as a problem is that I
> > > am not allowed to produce a copy for my own use.  If I have a lockpick
> > > should I be arrested simply because I could pick a lock and steal another
> > > person's property?  That is what the DMCA is saying.  Simply because you
> > > have possession of technology that could be used to break the safeguards of
> > > copyrighted material or content you should be and will be arrested or fined.
> > > I always thought that it was illegal to commit a crime and not have the
> > > power to commit.  That is what I am saying.
> >
> > Two issues here, one you've made explicitly, the other not so obvious.
> > I'm not sure which side of the fence I'm on regarding the 'owning a lock
> > pick.'  For example, I personally feel we should all be free to own a
> > gun, but I can see where that issue gets very gray when that gun is an
> > ak47.  (let's not start a 'right to bear arms' thread here please).
> > There is a difference between owning a 'tool' that can be used in a
> > crime, and one that is designed for no other purpose then to commit a
> > crime.
>
> There are certainly legal reasons to own a lock pick. You might
> be a locksmith, for example.
>
> > The other issue is, exactly how good is the technology if someone is
> > able to crack it?
>
> Absolutely. If it's illegal to make security-defeating tools, then
> there is no real security, only the illusion thereof. If Adobe or
> anyone else is using the DCMA as an excuse to avoid supplying real
> security in their products, they're idiots, because mere illegality
> never stopped anyone. (OK, it stops some people, but not everyone.)
>
> > In the case of the Russian programmer, he could have
> > kept this info to himself, or sold it on the black market.  Then where
> > would they be?  I do not know his full intent, but he was making a
> > presentation at a tech conference, he was not standing on the side of
> > the road selling this stuff to the highest bidder.  I think intent has a
> > lot to do with how the law should be applied.
> >
> > > The DMCA should be struck down and the laws on the books should be enforced.
> > > There are enough laws currently to stop the people who commit crimes
> > > regarding copyright material violations.  Why do we need more?
> >
> > I agree, the DMCA sucks.
>
> Yep. Dmitry  is getting a very bad deal, and deserves
> our support.
>
> -- Joe Knapka
> "You know how many remote castles there are along the gorges? You
>  can't MOVE for remote castles!" -- Lu Tze re. Uberwald
> // Linux MM Documentation in progress:
> // http://home.earthlink.net/~jknapka/linux-mm/vmoutline.html
> 2nd Lbl A + 1 = 2nd Pause 2nd Prt GTO 2 R/S
> --
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Fyi

Adobe is dropping their charges and asking for the release of Sklyarov..If anyone
has been on the fence about joining eff, remember this wouldnt have happened
without them. I didn't see the ACLU get up and fight for Sklyarow.

http://www.eff.org/IP/DMCA/US_v_Sklyarov/20010723_eff_adobe_sklyarov_pr.html

Ned


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