Re: [tlug] A question about DVD software

["Stephen J. Turnbull" <stephen@example.com>]

burlingk@example.com writes: 

> As for the DMCA...  Scary stuff.  The DMCA really didn't add
> anything new to the laws, but the people enforcing the laws seem to
> act like it did.  @example.com@ Hollywood seems to like to act like it did.
> It is a scary day in any country when law is interpreted by the
> media and not the lawyers.

Unfortunately, that's not true.  The DMCA makes several activities
associated with copying *criminal offenses per se*.  In the past
copyright infringement had to be deliberate etc etc to be criminal,
and the burden of proof of criminality was therefore on the
government, even if the act of copying was admitted by the defendent.

Now in many cases all the government has to do is show that (a) the
original was copy-protected and (b) that copying took place, and they
have a very good case that a criminal offense was committed.  This
also takes the financial burden off the copyright owner.  Ie, it's
much cheaper for Disney et al to make threats.

Furthermore, if the copy-protection actually amounts to access
control, you lose your fair use rights.