In the UK, a Plan To Criminalize Illegal Downloaders 382
krou writes "It looks like the launch of the UK Pirate Party came not a moment too soon. The Independent reports that Business Secretary Lord Mandelson is going to take a hard-line stance to preserve copyright after intense lobbying by the music and film industry. 'Under the proposed laws, Ofcom, the industry regulator, would be given powers to require Internet service providers to collect information on those who downloaded pirate material. The data would be anonymous, but serious repeat infringers would be tracked down through their computer ID numbers.' Prospective punishments included restricting internet access, either slowing down an offender's broadband or disconnecting them altogether, and fines up to £50,000. The Pirate Party came out against the scheme, calling it a gross invasion of civil liberties, while Tom Watson, the former minister for digital engagement, spoke out against the move, saying that the government should stop trying criminalize downloaders just so as to 'restore 20th-century incumbents to their position of power,' but should instead be 'coming up with interventions that will nurture 21st-century creative talent.'"
Mandelson (Score:5, Funny)
Lord Mandelson. It *is* a villainous name. He's a slimy horrible member of the undead. He just keeps coming back...
Re:Mandelson (Score:5, Funny)
As Frankie Boyle [wikipedia.org] said recently on Mock the Week [mocktheweek.tv], "Who made this guy a Lord, the Sith?"
My other favourite was, "Mandelson's back from his summer vacation - what they don't tell you is he stopped on his way back to visit his parents ... in Mordor."
Re:anonymous? (Score:2, Funny)
It's the British definition.
Re:This news is from the 16th (Score:4, Funny)
Well, that's that settled then.
Re:You wouldn't steal a car... (Score:4, Funny)
You wouldn't steal a baby.
You wouldn't kill a policeman, and steal his helmet.
You wouldn't go to the toilet in his helmet.
You wouldn't then send the helmet to the policeman's grieving widow.
and THEN steal it again.
Re:You wouldn't steal a car... (Score:5, Funny)
If you haven't seen it watch it. I think of it every time I watch a legally purchased DVD and am forced to sit through their propaganda and smile.
Re:Mandelson (Score:4, Funny)
Actually, his name reminds me of THIS [youtube.com].
Re:Mandelson (Score:5, Funny)
Baron Mandelson, 679, of Transylvania, [today.com] smiled for the cameras, only having to reconstitute himself twice when the flashes dissolved him into dust. "I only enter where I am invited," he said in sepulchral Eurocratic tones. "When I am called upon, I shall return."
Labour MPs rushed to greet the chief architect of New Labour, many carrying wooden stakes, garlic and crosses.
Mr Mandelson has had a chequered career in office. Previous Cabinet terms have ended with unfortunate resignations due to being beheaded by angry villagers, burnt at the stake, wrapped in chains and thrown to the bottom of the Volga and, in one case, nuked from orbit.
Re:anonymous? (Score:3, Funny)
I knowingly, contantly, take other peoples hard work for free, again and again and again! I listened to the radio and when a commercial came on, I CHANGED THE CHANNEL! Wha ha ha ha ha! Whenever I watch tv, I intentionally avoid commercials, EVERY DAMN TIME! I borrow books from the library, watch movies at friends houses, borrow thier games and use open source software and none of those guys ever see a single dime from me! I am EVIL! I am a dirty rotten stinky theif and I deserve what I get!
Re:One in 12 of the population might disagree. (Score:3, Funny)
The pirate party is for kids who have yet to have a real job and learn the value of work.
Ah yes, real job. Like making computer games for a living. Ha Ha Ha my side just split.