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Digital Millenium Copyright Act

Many people outside of the security industry do not fully understand that independent security researchers often find security holes, vulnerabilities and are the driving force toward stronger software and security practices within corporations. They are the watch dogs that ensure independent security testing (often, if not always) without compensation and simply for the challenge and to promote safer, stronger software.

The EFF says that Section 512 of the DMCA has often been used to invade the privacy of Internet users, harass Internet service providers, and chill online speech.

Update December 18, 2002 - The recent not-guilty jury verict in the case against ElcomSoft has led some lawyers to believe that it will be difficult to enforce and prosecute in the future.

Reports:
EFF report: "Unintended Consequences: Five Years Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act"
Chilling Effects Clearinghouse

Using it as a weapon:
Lexmark says competitors can't make toner cartridges for their printers, sues under the act

Caught in the cross fire:
Musicians can't sell their own music in eBay
Dug Song censored his own website.
SunnComm won't sue grad student for talking about the shift-key

Opposed:
Anti-DMCA site.

Neutral:
Debunking DMCA myths by Declan McCullagh


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