EFF Calls RIAA Tactics 'Reign of Terror'

nanday writes "What happens when the RIAA prosecutes people for alleged illegal music downloads? In an article on Newsforge (also owned by OSTG), lawyer Ray Beckerman of the Electronic Frontier Foundation explains the RIAA's favorite tactics, and why they play fast and loose with the law. Beckerman also explains why two of these cases may stop the RIAA in its tracks - and what you can do for help." From the article: "In UMG vs. Lindor, the defendant 'is a home house-aid who's never even used a computer,' according to Beckerman. 'She's never operated a computer, she's never even turned on a computer. The only connection she has ever had to a computer is that she has on occasion dusted near the parts that she believes are a computer. And yet she is being pursued as an online distributor in peer-to-peer file sharing.' Since Beckerman became involved in the case after it had gone to federal court, he has tried to learn the details of the charges -- so far with little success. 'The RIAA is trying to conceal the information about how it conducts its investigation,' he says. 'They have stalled every discovery request we've made' -- presumably because to reveal this information would also reveal the weakness of all the similar cases."

This will....

[Anonymous Coward]

This will obviously lead to anti-dusting legislation shortly.

Linux?

[IAmTheDave]

'They have stalled every discovery request we've made' -- presumably because to reveal this information would also reveal the weakness of all the similar cases."

Imagine if Linux had to go through something like this...

Copying Music in General

[digitaldc]

So where was the RIAA in 1982 when I taped Rush's 'Signals' album from my friend?
Should I be worried?

Does this mean

[Howler]

...that if the RIAA is sponsoring a "Reign of Terror" that everyone at the RIAA can be arrested, send to GITMO and tried under the Patriot Act? Would would a military tribunal say about the RIAA? Hmmm.. :-P

Re:Copying Music in General

[Anonymous Coward]

So where was the RIAA in 1982 when I taped Rush's 'Signals' album from my friend?
Should I be worried?

Standby - we will get the lawsuit filed today.

Thanks in advance,

The RIAA

Re:technology is outstripping Justice's understand

[SomeoneGotMyNick]

the simple answer is to cease all activities involving consumption of the product. Don't steal it, don't buy it, don't listen to it on the radio, and make sure you let everyone know your position and explain why you're taking that position WITHOUT making it sound like you're just whining that you're coming under fire for wanting to steal things.

Gee, I hope my " Today's music sucks teh Sh!t " bumper sticker get's the word out.

You won't hear the trunk welds breaking in my car from overcranked trash pop.

Re:This will....

[dr_dank]

We already have the Dusting My Computer Act.

a fun if possibly illegal idea

[DaveV1.0]

1) Steal the identity of the heads of the RIAA.

2) Using those identities, set up bank accounts, rent a cheap apartment or office somewhere, get broadband, hook up a computer with P2P software and loaded with songs. Use the identities to set up websites where people can download songs. Infringe on those copyrights!!!!!!

3) Watch the ensuing hilarity as the RIAA sues it's own heads for infringement.

Re:Copying Music in General

[gilroy]

Blockquoth the poster:

So where was the RIAA in 1982 when I taped Rush's 'Signals' album from my friend?
Should I be worried?

Well, having just posted a confession to potentially millions of witnesses, now you should be worried...

Re:Bad day

[IcerLeaf]

Dear Mr. Digitaldc,

You have illegally distributed the lyrics to Daniel Powter's song entitled "Bad Day", to an estimated 50,000 Slashdot users. As you must be aware, Warner Brothers owns the exclusive publishing rights to a plethora of popular music, including "Bad Day". The law entitles us to collect damages of $100,000 per illegally-distributed copy. Your bill comes to $5,000,000,000. Will that be cash or charge?

Sincerely,
Warner Brothers

Comment removed

[account_deleted]

Comment removed based on user account deletion

Re:This will....

[heritage727]

This will obviously lead to anti-dusting legislation shortly.

So? I'm sure everyone here is in compliance already.

Now I'm confused.

[LunaticTippy]

OK, my house is dusty.

Does that mean that I dust? Or that I'm anti-dusting? If so, why all the dust?

Appropriate

[Marcos Eliziario]

Well, in Soviet Russia, the dust control the computers. So. they have a precedent.