(Jul. 23, 2003) *Michael Jackson knows a thing or two about being picked on by the RIAA and he feels that legislation that would make downloading a single song a felony should be squashed.
The US House of Representatives is set to pass the Authors, Consumer and Computer Owners Protection and Security Act of 2003 (ACCOPS Act). This Act will open the door for a jail term for downloading.


"I am speechless about the idea of putting music fans in jail for downloading music" Jackson said in a statement. "It is wrong to illegally download, but the answer cannot be jail."

Under the Act, music fans could face a 5-year jail term and a fine of $250,000 if they illegally download music through a peer to peer network, such as Kazaa. Jackson says the industry needs to run with technology, not fight it, and find an alternative solution to the ACCOPS Act.

"Here in America we create new opportunities out of adversity, not punitive laws and we should look to new technologies, like Apple's new Music Store for solutions" he says. "This way innovation continues to be the hallmark of America. It is the fans that drive the success of the music business; I wish this would not be forgotten."

If the legislation is passed, it is estimated that 57million Americans are in breach of the law and could face jail terms.


LOL VERY UN-PRINCELY

This is one reason, why I am glad I live back in the UK and not the USA!!

There are many reasons, why I still would love 2 b back in the USA, but this is not one of them!!!

Next week, on OZ:



"What are you in for?"

"Downloading 'Cry Me A River'".

"Niiice."


OZ.

Brought to you by HBO and KY Liquid - the Prison Bitch's Choice.

Gold319 said:

You mean sentencing 4 downlouding?