Wes Phillips

Over at EFF's Deep Links Fred von Lohmann has posted news that nearly caused me to stroke out at my keyboard. Basically, the RIAA has submitted a document to the triennial review of the DMCA, stating that "the fact that permission to make a copy in particular circumstances is often or even routinely granted [does not] necessarily establish that the copying is a fair use when the copyright owner withholds that authorization." In other words, they've changed their mind since last year, when RIAA mouthpiece Don Verilli told the Supreme Court, "The record companies . . . have said, for some time now . . . that it's perfectly lawful to take a CD that you've purchased, upload it onto your computer, put it onto your iPod."

Just in case you think I over-reacted, here's more: Proponents to the DMCA "provide no arguments or legal authority that making back-up copies of CDs is a noninfringing use. . . . Even if CDs do become damaged, replacements are readily available at affordable prices." (Italics mine.) "

I smell trouser smoke.