Russia's War on Piracy/Malicious Software 150
tmk writes "Russian minister Leonid Reiman has announced new legislation to fight software piracy. According to official information the share of pirated software in the Russian Federation decreased in the last years from 90 to 60 percent. Reiman dismissed as a myth the impression that many viruses originate in his country: 'Viruses are written all over the world. Russia is waging a consistent and successful war on malicious software.' Reiman calls for an international organization to fight Internet crime. Last year Russia agreed to take down Allofmp3 after the United States intervened."
Allofmp3 (Score:2, Interesting)
Eye witness report. (Score:5, Interesting)
I am system administrator in a large nuclear physics institute in Moscow, which is by no mere coincidence a vital part of the Russian internet backbone. Since my day one I've been advocating Linux and free software, and here's the fruit: already about 10% of the institute's workers, including the director himself, use various distributions of Linux [mostly Ubuntu/Debian, Mandriva and Red Hat]. Besides, I'm currently engaged in talks with Sun regarding our migration to Sun Ray, which will run on a customized Debian system.
I believe that if the result will look as I expect it to, the university [it's the largest university in Russia and AFAIK Europe] which we are a significant part of might break off Microsoft crap in toto, although this statement can be considered a pure speculation at this moment.
Imperialism (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:Allofmp3 (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:Allofmp3 (Score:5, Interesting)
I actually put that to the test last time I was in Moscow. Was in one of the high end shopping districts near Red Square and walked up to one of the multitudes of CD street vendors. Asked her if she had Borat (which had been released to theaters only a couple of weeks before, and is actually banned in Russia).
Yup, had it. Just under the table. Commanded a premium price though, I seem to remember it was around 300 rubles (about $10).
Re:Eye witness report. (Score:3, Interesting)
Yup, businesses now get audited and sued (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Copyright and fascism (Score:1, Interesting)
Because CNN said so.
Re:War on piracy...pffft! (Score:2, Interesting)
Yeah. Just like the old days [jstor.org]. Kinda makes me nostalgic.
What about all the other AllofMyMP3s-like sites? (Score:2, Interesting)
Not to mention the incredibly effective job that street based anti-piracy enforcement has achieved.Not.
At best, it provides another opportunity for the cops to shake down stall holders.
I think you will find anyone selling pirated CDs finds it easier to pay the cops or copyright inspects an "on the spot fine". That way everyone is happy. The CD software seller gets to keep doing business, the cop is paid, the cops boss gets a cut, and business continues.
What are you worried about? This is the market is supposed to work, after all.
Re:War on piracy...pffft! (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:Allofmp3.com shut down? (Score:5, Interesting)
Basically, American perception that the Russian gov't is shutting down allofmp3.com is a misperception, and one which I suspect the Russians are happy not to correct. Perhaps they'll get around to changing the law, but remember that allofmp3.com pays a cut to some Russian licensing agency -- not sure where that money goes, but wouldn't surprise me if money is finding its way into gov't coffers (or politicians' pockets?)
Re:Copyright and fascism (Score:3, Interesting)
Yeah, just keep in mind that when that same government is mugging you for crappy things like Socialist Security et al., those thuggings are somehow OK.
Because CNN said so.
Actually Social Security began long before CNN was even a gleam in Ted's eye in an attempt to keep the millions of hopeless people from "thugging" the rich at a time when pure capitalism proved to be a great failure.
Re:yarr, malicious software must go... (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Allofmp3 (Score:1, Interesting)