The problems with DMCA takedown notices have been clear for a while, but… laser printers?
From the New York Times (via Bruce Schneier):
A new study from the University of Washington suggests that media industry trade groups are using flawed tactics in their investigations of users who violate copyrights on peer-to-peer file sharing networks.
…
The researchers concluded that enforcement agencies are looking only at I.P. addresses of participants on these peer-to-peer networks, and not what files are actually downloaded or uploaded — a more resource-intensive process that would nevertheless yield more conclusive information.
In their report, the researchers also demonstrate a way to manipulate I.P. addresses so that another user appears responsible for the file-sharing.
An inanimate object could also get the blame. The researchers rigged the software agents to implicate three laserjet printers, which were then accused in takedown letters by the M.P.A.A. of downloading copies of “Iron Man†and the latest Indiana Jones film.
Ok. Deceased computer-less grandmothers, sure. But laser printers?
One thought on “Researchers demonstrate how RIAA/MPAA tactics can send DMCA takedown notices to laser printers”
I wonder about software called allmymovies – my movies are on an external hard drive and I have an extremely slow internet connection. Every time I look up a movie with a similar name to one recently released, I notice my hard drive spins up. Is this just a coincidence or could the program be opening me up to intrusion by the mpaa??