Larger issues at hand. Anti-ACTA.
This has been circling the internet for awhile and applies to just about everyone who uses the internet. Whether it is internet shopping, browsing videos or lurking on social network sites - you can easily (whether accidentally or intentionally) be sued and have your privacy breached by your internet service providers. Read the article to understand more about the situation.
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Since the recent law against manga viewing sites has been put into action, it seems that American Government Officials (and America doing what they do best, have an issue then goes over to Europe and screw up our customs) want to put stricter laws on piracy. At a glance, fair enough.
Now if you have read the article, you’ll probably be thinking the same as I do - this is a bunch of bullshit. Going on to the extent to getting Internet Service Providers to breach us, the consumers privacy as an effort to stop piracy - keeping a log on the websites we visit, what we do on the internet etc. etc.
Where as the issue is not the piracy itself, but the privacy of the consumer - as well as some stupid issues like having a servere criminal record for even just browsing a copyrighted image.
“Did you pay for the songs on your iPod? Under the new law, that instantly classifies you as a criminal, and the same classification as murderers and rapists.”
And I particularly hope this is a writing error. Buying a song to put on your iPod makes you a criminal nowadays? Seriously, humanity? What are you doing?
With identity fraud being a big thing nowadays, I personally see this law making it easier for those. If Internet Service Providers have to keep log of what everyone is doing, who is to say that someone just won’t hack into the ISP and get people’s details that way. It may be easier said then done, but you only need one person to be able to do it and the whole system can crumble. Look at the recent issues with HM Revenue and the tax system - ok somewhat very different, but one little mistake can leave many in quite a rut.
“7. ACTA gives governments and ISP’s the right to block websites deemed “unsuitable” There are not clear guidelines as to what is deemed suitable or unsuitable. Do you honestly believe that this power will not be abused for political and economical gain. Chain has used the same excuse to censor the internet. Concurrently, China has far banned facebook.com, youtube.com and blogspot.com. Does this seem like national security?”
Somewhat off-topic for a moment. I always assumed that China had an issue with Google in general, including any website that Google currently holds the license for. I know I pretty much have something against Google, even if I do have a google email. I know Google already keeps a log in everything you have searched in the past, even after you’ve deleted all your cookies, internet history etc. etc. The advertisements shown on web pages will more less be the same ones - though it may be in IP address thing - I’m pretty sure my dad and I get different advertisements. Dad would more likely get Virgin advertisements or travel advertisements - I on the other hand seem to get a lot of MMO game ads and random advertisements such as the Rosetta Stone. Anyways back to topic.
I don’t really have much to say, but I suggest, if you have read this far and not read the article. Read it now and formulate your opinions. Personally, I don’t care anymore, I think it is a pile of bullshit - it’s fair enough they want to tackle piracy. The way how they are going about it however I feel would just make it worse and the tactics they are planning to use, they might as well just take down the internet.
On the other hand, pirates will be pirates and nothing will stop them - they will find another way to get their hands on something they want and distribute it. (Main example- look at China).
That’s all for now on this issue.
