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Senators ask for DOJ power to fight online piracy
Quote:
Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Sen. Orin Hatch (R-UT) have introduced legislation that would give the U.S Department of Justice increased power over online piracy. "The Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act will give the Department of Justice an expedited process for cracking down on these rogue Web sites regardless of whether the Web site's owner is located inside or outside of the United States," according to a statement released by the Senators.
The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Herb Kohl (D-WI), Arlen Specter (D-PA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Evan Bayh (D-IN) and George Voinovich (R-OH).
The legislation would give the DOJ to power to investigate U.S.-based websites illegally hosting and sharing copyrighted content. If the site was found to be involved in copyright infringement, the Justice Department would have the authority to to order the site's owner to shut it down. CNet reports that the legislation would essentially let the Justice Department try to block such sites from being accessed within the U.S. or cut off the sites from receiving credit card transactions or ad revenue.
The RIAA of course "applauds" the proposed legislation. In a statement, RIAA Chairman/CEO Mitch Bainwol said, "The trafficking of pirated American movies and music from rogue websites outside our borders is a big business. This bill is a welcome first step toward cutting off the financial lifeline that sustains these illegal operations and threatens the livelihoods of countless members of the American music community. While improvements can be made to strengthen its effectiveness, this legislation is a good start and we applaud Chairman Leahy, Senator Hatch and other co-sponsors for casting a spotlight on a critically needed reform and for their continued leadership in protecting American ingenuity and creativity."
A joint statement supporting the legislation has also been released by American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), Directors Guild of America (DGA), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada (IATSE), and Screen Actors Guild (SAG):
"This legislation will make it easier to shut down 'rogue' websites, which are dedicated to stealing the films, television programs and music created by our members. The largely foreign profiteers who operate these sites rob our members of the ability to make a living from their creativity and labor, prevent funds from reaching their pension and health plans, and endanger their ability to work now and in the future. These profiteers also hurt the American economy and ultimately the American consumer because Internet theft, if left unchecked, imperils the ability of content creators and financiers to continue making the content that people love to watch. Rogue sites look legitimate, but make no mistake – these sites are illegal and they are trafficking in illegally-obtained content, with only one goal in mind – making money from films, television programs, and recordings that they had no role at all in creating or financing. The proposed legislation makes it clear that this kind of profiteering is both illegal and unacceptable."
"We thank Chairman Leahy for his recognition of the stake Guild and Union members have in this situation and we look forward to working with him on this legislation as it moves through Congress."
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http://www.fmqb.com/article.asp?id=1959506
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