A Scrutiny of Proposed A-Hole Technology & Legislation
In addition to an excellent investigative look at the simultaneously ludicrous and thoroughly chilling methods of “plugging the analog hole” that certain parties are trying to legislate into our electronics, Kathryn Cramer’s article on VEIL technology and legislation contains some most excellent and worthwhile sci-fi allusions. Also, commentors on the post provide some informed technical analyses of the language of the legislation that conjecture as to the nature of the technology itself.
Cramer’s analysis perfectly demonstrates the absurdity of the wide range of attempts to protect “intellectual property” (read: commercial media content) with laws enforcing the use of secret technologies that restrict the abilities of content creators and users alike to interact with cultural substance. This thing in particular is creepy because, as she points out, the secrecy of the technology creates a situation in which a law is being considered despite the fact of its contents (i.e. the nature of the technology to be compulsorily applied to consumer and commercial electronics) being unavailable for public review. The post in full is a must-read.
(via BoingBoing)
