Canada, G8 want to seize your iPods and laptops as RIAA jumps with joy
I thought the issue of laptop and other portable device search and seizure was bad enough at customs between the United States and Europe. Then I read that it was spreading to Canada as well. This type of restrictive copyright based search and seizure practice is like the RIAA and MPAA’s wet dream, and more than just an expensive headache for many travelers.
In order for the agents to seize your property, the law says that there must be a copyright violation. However, the issue of copyright in digital media is still being defined. For example, according to the RIAA CDs that you purchased can’t be ripped to your computer or iPod, you must buy still more copies from the vendor of your choice online.
This is flagrant disregard for fair use practices and not yet deemed illegal by the courts, yet the law Canada has signed on with states that as part of the guidelines for copyright infringement and thus, confiscation. I call bullshit on this one. This agreement should not have been signed until the current issues with the RIAA and fair use were done being ironed out.
Has this law been written in stone yet? No, but the nations that participate in G8 are currently hammering it out, all while RIAA and MPAA thugs are drooling into their briefcases with anticipation. Keep your eye on a little something called The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), as this little gem is where this potential disaster is hidden.
Related Posts:
May 28th, 2008
Wow, I didn’t think it would come to this. I buy all my CD’s but I burn them into my mobile devices for listening enjoyment. But apparently I would be shot down if I went to Canada. Guess I will not be going there, ever!