Feds wary of prosecuting P2P users
In an interesting twist in the protracted struggle between elements of the entertainment industry and their customers, the latest issue appears to relate not to technology or law but public relations. The Los Angeles Times is reporting that, despite increased pressure from industry groups and a new law, federal attorneys have been slow to act against individuals using P2P networks like Kazaa. Unsurprisingly, entertainment industry leaders think it would be a great idea to use laws like the Family Entertainment and Copyright Act more aggressively.
"Knowing that the government of the United States has this tool available is so powerful," said Dan Glickman, chief executive of the Motion Picture Assn. of America. "It is an extremely meaningful step and we hope they use that authority. We hope this will not be some illusion on the books."
Nothing sends a message like the sight of FBI agents in jackets with big yellow letters yanking some 15 year-old punk from his suburban womb for a perp walk.
