| MrPopup |
08-11-2003 10:59 AM |
European Union Intellectual Property Law Said Worse than DMCA
http://comment.zdnet.co.uk/0,39020505,39115479,00.htm
It?s hard to over-emphasise how much power this will give to established manufacturers, and how difficult it will be for anyone to compete in their spheres of influence. Ask yourself whether DVD region locks and smart ink-jet cartridges have been used to benefit the consumer, or whether they?ve been used to keep prices up and choice down: now, imagine the same power of control being given to any manufactured goods.
You want to change the tyres on your 2006 model Ford Prefect? Anything other than genuine Ford tyres -- with the genuine Ford ID chip -- will disable your car. Your Sony MP3-playing nasal hair trimmer will only work with genuine Sony batteries: don?t even think about trying to make alternatives, because that?ll make you a criminal. And no, you can?t buy those jeans -- the RFID chip in the label says they?re only for sale in America. By the way, the same RFID chips on the clothes you are allowed to buy may well be radiating all manner of things about your location: you?re not allowed to find out for yourself, as possession of an unlicensed receiver is a criminal act.
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