We all have seen the powerful political lobby of the MPAA and RIAA, along with scores of music and movie lobbyist pushing for legislative change. A writer over at Slashdot reminds us that 20 years ago the Supreme Court ruled that individuals where allowed to legally tape live broadcast. This decision is what has help frame the Fair Use policy in the United States.
Today’s initiatives of digital media producers continual effort to remove our ability to fairly use the digital media that we have purchased or recorded in our homes will continue to advance. Through legacy attrition of our electronic devices and the improvements in encryption, with placement of embedded anti-copying devices into electronics components will have compounded effects. We will see a steady decline in our ability to backup, tape, re-produce and archive even the simplest of digital content.
So do not be surprised if 10 years from now you will no longer be able to enjoy copying any media. The desire is there and they are willing to wage a war that will cost them millions now but will net them billions in the future. Our only hope to be active citizens of Government and fight the pundits by supporting groups like the EFF. [The Guardian]
No one is holding a gun to consumer’s heads, forcing them to buy products from MPAA and RIAA afilliated companies. If these media conglomerates continue down this path, the marketplace will weed them out as consumers seek to purchase products from companies who don’t restrict fair use.
These organizations and companies are not “wicked” or “evil.” They are just doing what they think will benefit their business (I think they are misguided in this pursuit, however). If we, the consumers, don’t like it, we should vote by taking our dollars elsewhere. A for profit company can’t continue if it’s customers quit purchasing their products.