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Understanding Tech Issues with Reliable Vision of Innovation

by Jerry Liao, Philippines

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Lady music swapper to pay $1.92 million

Jun 21, 2009 16:46

After downloading and sharing 24 songs on Kazaa peer-to-peer network, 32-year old Jammie Thomas-Rasset was fined $80,000 per song or a total of $1.92 million after federal court ruled that she was guilty of copyright violation.

After the proceedings. Thomas-Rasset said "There’s no way they’re ever going to get that, I’m a mom, limited means, so I’m not going to worry about it now."

Thomas-Rasset testified that perhaps his ex-boyfriend or sons were most likely responsible for downloading and distributing the songs. Something the jury didn't care I guess. Regardless who download the songs, the songs were downloaded and shared.

First, let me just say that the recording industry have all the right to collect and earn from their work. But a lot of people find the penalty too high. I myself was surprised that the jury will award the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) such amount. But the RIAA is reportedly willing to settle for a lesser amount.

Asking a mom to pay $1.92 million is next to impossible. I think the verdict is to send a message to other violators that the recording industry means business in thwarting the illegal downloads and sharing of their work.

But by saying that, with the advancement of technology, can we really stop the downloading of music? The mere fact that the recording industry cannot put a restriction or security technology like Digital rights management (DRM) behind their work means putting an end to copyright violation is a dream and will remain as an impossible dream.

The solution is simply for the music industry to adjust to technology. Think of a win-win solution for the industry and its consumer. Sentencing a helpless individual like Thomas-Rasset will simply anger music fans.

I only have one question to ask - does downloading increases the losses of the industry or does it simply lessen its profits?

God Bless us all!

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montbkk

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montbkk says...
Ever since Bush I have been researching American History and was stunned to find The Land Of The Free has never been Free. Private business has always controlled the country and oppressed the working class with force and violence.

The U.S. cannot compete in the areas of production and technology so they are doing their all to maintain the few monopolies they still have such as Entertainment. If they cannot enforce copyrights then their future will be a short one or they must change their business structure and nomenclature and this is not pleasing to the present powers.

This fine only demonstrates the desperate mindset the Americans are in.

Jun 21, 2009 21:37

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About Jerry Liao

Jerry Liao is an IT consultant in the Philippines who conducts seminars on various tech topics. He is a regular columnist of Manila Bulletin, a member of the academe, a system developer and a system analyst. He is a frequent fixture in press conferences and tech launchings, most of which are posted at infochat.com.ph. He loves to tinker with the latest gadgets and gizmos, but his most cherish possession are his children.