(entry last updated: 2003-09-05 18:11:00)

Sorry about the paucity of postings - the start of the term has kept me jumping!

• New filings in the Jane Doe case: File swapper seeks to stay anonymous

• CNet on the (Australian) amnesty offer from the RIAA: RIAA turns down some heat on file sharers - while Donna raises the issues (and points to others’ thoughts) that the Slashdot discussion raised - don’t forget Dmitry Sklyarov - the RIAA can’t offer amnesty any more than Adobe could once the courts got involved.

(entry last updated: 2003-09-05 07:40:40)

• Donna’s back!

• Jenny Levine raises an issue: ALA Should Dump RIAA’s Law Firm

• The arrest of a notorious cybersquatter, John Zuccarini, has generated a lot of press:

  • NYTimes: Spelling It ‘Dinsey,’ Children on Web Got XXX [pdf]

  • Wired News: Porn Law Targets Cybersquatters

  • CNEt News: Lawmakers: Domain name oversight too lax

A couple of MI2N press releases:

• Universal’s press release: Universal Music Group, World’s Largest Music Company, Dramatically Reduces CD Prices

• A speculation: Are Major Labels Following Example Indie Label Commuse?

• CNet News: eBay mutes iTunes song auction

  eBay on Thursday canceled an auction that sought to resell a music download that was purchased through Apple Computer’s iTunes Music Store, saying the attempted sale violated its listing policies.

• Looks like Kevin was up late to catch this bit: Music Biz to Give File Sharers Amnesty

  The Recording Industry Assn. of America plans to announce an amnesty program this week that will let individual online copyright infringers off the hook if they change their ways, sources say.

  The amnesty program would apply only to alleged infringers who have not been sued by the music industry trade group or identified by Internet service providers as a result of the trade group’s subpoena process. Alleged commercial pirates will not receive amnesty.

  According to sources, the RIAA will not pursue legal action if infringers delete all unauthorized music files from their computers, destroy all copies (including CD-Rs) and promise not to upload such material in the future. Each infringing household member will have to send a completed, notarized amnesty form to the RIAA, with a copy of a photo ID. Those who renege on their promise will be subject to charges of willful copyright infringement.

  The amnesty program will be revealed at about the same time the RIAA is expected to announce the filing of “several hundred” infringement suits.

  The RIAA had no comment.

  Slashdot discussion: RIAA Offers Amnesty to File Sharers