[TriLUG] "Super-DMCA " is coming!! to your homes--Taken from one of the Lockergnome Newsletters

[al johson]

Gnomie David J. Falkenberg brings this to our attention:

"Not sure if this is alarmist, but I would think it's worthy of mention and
you might want to pass it on: Super-DMCA Coming.

"Under these statutes, you would not be entitled to connect anything to your
cable, satellite, or DSL line without the express permission of your service
provider. The model MPAA bill accomplishes this by making it a crime to
possess a device to 'receive... transmit, [or] re-transmit' any
communication service without the 'express authorization' of the
communication service provider. The various pending state bills include
similar language.

"This provision would make you a criminal for simply connecting a TV, PC,
TiVo or VCR (all of which can 'receive' communication services) to the cable
TV line in your living room without your cable company's permission. It
could also make you a criminal for connecting a Wi-Fi wireless gateway
(which can 'retransmit' Internet traffic) to your DSL or cable modem line
without the permission of your ISP.

"Take particular note of the one-sided attorney's fee provision - you lose,
you pay for both sides' fees. You win, MPAA doesn't pay yours - as well as
the automatic injunctions (without them having to prove they suffered any
harm). And remote downgrades, abusive damages, etc.

"Maybe it's time to write your state legislatures before it's too late!"