posted on Jan, 3 2008 @ 12:17 AM
For years, the RIAA has been on a crusade to squash illegal music downloads and sharing. Thousands of letters have been sent out demanding a hefty
pay off by threat of a lawsuit. Whatever their true motivations (money-grubbing, ahem), the RIAA has been legitimate in its pursuit. People
downloaded music illegally and were caught, that simple. However, they've now begun down a path that, if not stopped, will lead us to an ultimate
face-off where our property rights will be seriously threatened.
the industry maintains that it is illegal for someone who has legally purchased a CD to transfer that music into his computer.
Source
This isn't about the usual controversy, how far is too far when pursuing legal lawsuits. The actions of the RIAA here are plain and simple
extortion.
Here's why:
Audio Home Recording act of 1992, Title 17, Chapter 10, Subchapter D, Section 1008
No action may be brought under this title alleging infringement of copyright based on the manufacture, importation, or distribution of a
digital audio recording device, a digital audio recording medium, an analog recording device, or an analog recording medium, or based on the
noncommercial use by a consumer of such a device or medium for making digital musical recordings or analog musical recordings....
Source
(emphasis added)
The RIAA's actions are clearly extortion. They are threatening people with legal repercussions for doing something that is not illegal in order to
get money, as most people would rather pay the fine than fight a hopeless legal battle and pay attorney fees.
These actions have far reaching repercussions; if legitimized in court, a precedent will be set that will set definite limits on what we can do with
our own property, for our own use.
Who's going to make the laws, our legitimate law-making institutions or mobsters under the guise of a legitimate corporation?