If you can't beat 'em...uh...keep trying to beat 'em?

By Joshua Paul
January 19, 2005 | Comments: 3

Okay, I'll admit it. I just don't get it. Los Angeles Sen. Kevin Murray has introduced a bill that would make anyone who sells, advertises, or distributes P2P software responsible for the end-users actions...to the tune of up to $2500 and year in jail.

WHAT?! Anyone who advertises P2P software?

What does advertising consist of? Does it have to be paid advertising? Or can I simply mention BitTorrent? (Is that going to cost me $2500 and a year in jail?)

If this bill passes, I want to know if we can start attaching the same types of laws to gun and alcohol manufacturers. P2P may hurt some companies financially, but guns and alcohol bring real pain and suffering to real people. I have yet to hear about someone being killed by a P2P user who lost control.

Heck, let's go for companies that sell, advertise, or distribute knifes, baseball bats, piano wire, bleach, pencils...

Should companies be responsible for their consumer's use of their products?

3 Comments

j.f.m. said:

Hypocrites...
Yeah, let's ban trucks because you could transport drugs and illegal immigrants with 'em...

January 21, 2005 6:48 AM

jwenting said:

P2P software is indeed advertised...
There's ISPs aplenty who advertise with the capability to download any software, movie and music you want free of charge using for example Kazaa.
There's even those who distribute Kazaa and/or others with their installation CDs.

January 21, 2005 3:24 AM

peter_g_22 said:

"piano wire, bleach, pencils"
Obviously he's never heard that the pen is mightier than the sword either. Look out for a similar ruling on writing instruments ..

January 20, 2005 3:13 AM