State AGs warn file-sharing companies

Found on CNet News on Thursday, 05 August 2004
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A group of 46 state attorneys general sent a deeply critical letter to file-sharing companies Thursday, asking them to take stronger action on privacy and intellectual-property violations.

In Washington, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, is sponsoring a bill that would hold file-sharing companies liable for the illegal actions of their users, a measure that could push the existing commercial networks out of business.

The letter specifically asks that file-sharing companies stop encrypting network transmissions in ways that make it difficult for law enforcement to investigate and enforce the law.

"This appears to be a case of contempt prior to investigation," StreamCast Networks CEO Michael Weiss said. "This appears to be a continuation of the lies and deceit being perpetrated by the entertainment industry against P2P companies to Congress, the American public and now the offices of the attorneys general."

Afraid of encryption, eh? If you know that the other side will implement a feature which will greatly hinder your attacks, try to talk them into dropping it. By the way, I hope the AGs will send a similar letter to the weapon manufacturers. Oh, I forgot: dead people do not create a financial loss for any industry.