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Music Industry Lobbyist Becomes Europe’s Copyright Boss

Over the years many pro-copyright groups have lobbied extensively for harsher anti-piracy legislation. In Europe, this task may now become a little easier, as a former music industry lobbyist has been appointed as the head of a unit that deals with copyright and enforcement issues at the European Commission. Among other things, the former IFPI employee will be tasked with pushing through the ACTA trade agreement.

ifpi to euJust a few days ago we witnessed a prime example of the revolving door phenomenon, as a former RIAA lobbyist turned federal judge got to rule on a case that had a direct impact on her former employee.

Today we bring another example, one that’s perhaps even more worrisome.

Those who read TorrentFreak regularly will be familiar with music industry lobby group IFPI. Crowned as the most active DMCA sender of 2010, IFPI are known for their aggressive anti-piracy tactics. Among other legal efforts, they were one of the driving forces behind the Pirate Bay trial.

At the same time IFPI has been lobbying in the political arena for more tools to combat online piracy, with varying results. However, due to a new appointment at the copyright and enforcement unit of the European Commission, it appears that IFPI’s influence might increase significantly.

Maria Martin-Prat, who was formerly employed as Director of Legal Policy and Regulatory Affairs at IFPI, has now been selected to lead the EU unit that deals with copyright and enforcement issues. Among other things, she will be in charge of trying to get the controversial ACTA anti-piracy agreement accepted.

This means that Martin-Prat, whose previous job was to convince politicians that more restrictive copyright legislation is needed to deal with online piracy, is now responsible for shaping future copyright laws at the European Commission. Needless to say, it’s likely that her view on copyright won’t be the most objective one.

Pirate Party MEP Christian Engstrom is not happy with the appointment, to say the least. However, knowing the ins and outs of the European Commission and the dominance of lobby groups, it comes as no surprise.

“Welcome to the European Union, where the big business lobby organizations are calling most of the shots at the Commission, and where citizens are just seen as a nuisance to be ignored. I guess the only real news is that they don’t even bother to try to hide it any more,” he said in response to the announcement.

With the appointment of Martin-Prat, Europeans should brace themselves for more restrictive copyright legislation, and more effective enforcement of current laws. Meanwhile, IFPI members will be cracking open bottles of Champagne and dancing with excitement in their offices.

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  • Hikaricore

    Someone needs to murder this bitch stat.

    • Anonymous

      That would certainly get the message across. What kind of dumbass pisses off pirates?

      Arrrg Matey, time to RAPE, PILLAGE & MURDER.

      • FkRob

        You’re a pu$$y ass b1tch who would run like a dog struck in traffic if ever involved in a REAL confrontation.

    • HIBOTaL

      Europe’s political system is another sad example for old and grumpy…plz die!

      • http://otester.myopenid.com/ PiRat

        EU is a dictatorship, if they can’t ram it through the parliament, they make a directive and the nation states make the law.

        THAT IS NOT DEMOCRACY!

        • teacher

          Opps.. I clicked Liked button by mistake.

          We have never lived in a REAL DEMOCRACY, if you think you did you are wrong.

        • Khaataja

          Correct the closest comparison to what the us calls “democracy” is comparable to ‘the Patriots” in metal gear solid. Or am I just a sucker for conspiracies?

        • http://otester.myopenid.com/ PiRat

          What we had before was bad, this is even worse.

        • Anonymous

          Much as I don’t like this clear case of confilct of interest, I simply don’t agree. Even with all its imperfections, the EU parliament is still the most democratic of parliaments. If you don’t agree, please cite an example of a fairer and less biased legislative body.

          And anyway, this article refers to the European Commission, not the Parliament. Completely different things.

        • http://disqus.com/ Rob8urcakes

          Spot-on zeni. PiRat merely and understandably got his E’s a little mixed up lol (don’t wanna do that too often *wink wink)
          We have his EU, and then we have the EC and for good measure the EP too (not to mention a few other E’s, but let’s keep it simple for now).

          The EC is a very different Beast to the EP. And for PiRat to be 100% correct in his post, all he need do is change one letter!!!

          Rather than say the EU (ie the European Union of 27 Member States/Countries) is a dictatorship (which it’s NOT), he should have said the EC (ie the European Commission is the dictatorship because it consists of 27 UNELECTED Commissioners appointed by each Member States’ domestic parliament.WITH NO VOTE from Joe Public – and they’re the Executive Body of the EU responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union’s treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union.

          On the other hand we also have the democratically elected members to the European Parliament who ARE voted there by Joe Public, and represent their constituents/electorate. The EP consists of 736 MEP’s who collectively exercises the legislative function of EU. And these are the guys you and I need to moan at when we want influence policy – but we, the electorate, all too often get totally scuppered by the EC because they all too often are staffed by asswipes such as the ex-IFPI lobbyist Maria Martin-Prat.

          And whilst I’m on a roll –

          IFPI
          The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) is the organization that represents the interests of the recording industry worldwide. It is headquartered in London, with regional offices in Brussels, Hong Kong, Miami and Moscow.

          Motto representing the recording industry worldwide
          Formation 1933
          Headquarters 10 Piccadilly, London, United Kingdom
          Chief executive Frances Moore
          Main organ Main Board of Directors
          Website ifpi.org

          Hope that helps clarify things a little in this complicated and murky world of European politics in action.

        • FuzzyDuck

          The EU “government” so to speak has 4 components: the European Parliament, the European Court, the European Commission and the Council (of Ministers). The Parliament is for window dressing to make us believe we have say. The council of ministers actually decide most matters, they represent the governments of the 27 countries, the Commission runs the show on a day to day basis.

          If they can bypass the parliament to enforce laws and regulations, as they can, then clearly the whole EU is not democratic, even if one its components (the Parliament) is fully democratic.

        • NeonGen

          This and the above info from Rob has been very informative, thx. To the troll below, suck my anal hair. -.-

        • FkRob

          Rob luvs the c0ck

        • http://disqus.com/ Rob8urcakes

          And if you have one, bring it along in person to meet with me please.

          You’ll experience an event that will leave no doubt whatsoever in your mind as to the truth or otherwise of such a stupid statement.

        • Guest

          Thanks Rob, this is good background for understanding the EU space.

        • Guest

          Thanks Rob, this is good background for understanding the EU space.

        • Guest

          Thanks Rob, this is good background for understanding the EU space.

        • Guest

          Thanks Rob, this is good background for understanding the EU space.

        • Guest

          Thanks Rob, this is good background for understanding the EU space.

        • Guest

          Thanks Rob, this is good background for understanding the EU space.

        • Guest

          Thanks Rob, this is good background for understanding the EU space.

        • Guest

          Thanks Rob, this is good background for understanding the EU space.

      • Esdarrick black

        The more they use corrupt practices to get your way, the more power the more you lose,wake up politicians,wake up IFPI you have already lost your power, we do what we see fit,we do what we see as ethically right, your illusion of control is all you possess.

        people should be paid for their effort,but what is deserved we decide, not what you demand.

    • Cyrious

      *off to try and get Anonymous to have some fun with the biatch*

    • http://www.facebook.com/eric.boehm Jack Murdock

      It’s truly ironic that pirates attach ominous labels like “Mafiaa” to proponents of copyright when you have things like this that show how far pirates are truly willing to go to protect their steady flow of free things. This is just like a real organized crime group. Pirates earn a lot of money (or atleast the site operators do) from advertising and just like the real mafia does (from drugs and money laundering), and attack anyone who they deem to be a threat to their “business.” Except since they are too cowardly to step out of their houses, they resort to hacking and ddos attacks. Apparently these armchair anarchists aren’t above targeting political officials either.

      Rest assured that by issuing death threats and inciting others into a mob frenzy, you aren’t helping the file sharing case at all. In fact, it just makes it that much easier for the government to take decisive action against file sharing sites.

      • Anonymous

        No. Pirates do not earn any money from anywhere.

        They, in fact, spend money to host sites, out of their own pocket, in fact, download for free, host for free, and upload (for free)… in fact, we’re spending more money than most other dicksucks like you around. We earn no money. Maybe a select few, but to run a site with that much on it, torrent files non the less, costs a lot of money, and in fact, many will end up spending more money on their sites than receiving advertising.

        Take Kickasstorrents for example. They are earning NO money from advertising. Why? They don ‘t have advertisement.

        Some of the more immature members may issue death threats on here, but if you by any means say that the illegal actions and seizures of computer equipment is legal, you are a lazy ass piece of shit that deserves to go to hell.

        That is all.

        • Anonymous

          “Kickasstorrents [...] don ‘t have advertisement.”

          Yes they do.

          What’s do you see on the right-hand side of this image?

          http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/3397/24371641.png

        • Anonymous

          I have never seen the advertisement on that site, and I use it frequently. I honestly cannot find ANY advertisement on that site AT ALL. I just surfed the site for 20 minutes, clicking on random torrents, pages, and other things, and cannot find any advertising whatsoever. I have no idea where you got that image from.

          I have never seen advertising and honestly have no idea where you got that from.

          Other than that, my statement still holds true that these may not be pirates, and are site operators. Pirates do not download for “profit.” I don’t see how you could. Any Pirate that somehow DOES download for profit should stop, since I don’t believe you should flat out take advantage of something like that. There IS a difference!

          My statement still holds congruent to itself. And if that’s the only thing you could find wrong with it, then I did a good job.

        • DRuNKeN MaSTeR

          KickAssTorrents does have ads. But only as long as you don’t register (it’s FREE), and log in. Once you have logged in, the ads vanish. See the picture from “Anonymous”: above the ad is a “Remove” link which directs you to the login page.

        • Anonymous

          I am not a member, and I still see no advertising.

        • Anonymous

          Switch off your ad-blocking filter/software?

        • http://www.facebook.com/eric.boehm Jack Murdock

          Awhile back the authorities looked into the inner workings of the pirate bay and they found that they had multiple offshore accounts and trust funds. The big torrent sites are very much run for profit and they are very successful financial endeavors. People get the free movies and music and that makes them lulls them into being blissfully ignorant about the sites operation.

          The file sharing scene is supposed to about sticking it to the man, but in reality, many torrent sites are supporting mainstream companies. Do you really think

        • Phobophobia

          many torrent sites are supporting mainstream companies
          Citation needed.

          TPB has nothing to do with kickasstorrents -so why are you changing the subject?
          Any website in the Alexa top 100 (such as TPB) will generate significant income from advertising – but also will incur significant bandwidth and hosting charges.

          The file sharing scene is supposed to about sticking it to the man

          The file sharing scene is exactly that – FILE SHARING, not sticking it to anyone!

          You are the last person to be telling ANYONE what the what the file sharing scene is, considering you are being paid to give your opinions.

          Stop walking on the astroturf!

        • FuzzyDuck

          > The big torrent sites are very much run for profit and they are very successful financial endeavors.

          You’re just repeating MAFIAA propaganda. If you actually think about it, it costs loads of money to run a torrent site these days: you need a special kind of ISP that doesn’t easily give in to legal threats, these are always much more expensive. You have to move ISPs often. You get legal harassment, running up legal fees. At the same time advertisers also avoid torrent sites due to legal threats resulting in lower advertising rates.

          That some still manage to stay afloat is a miracle.

        • Ninja Samwray

          I do believe TPB makes some sort of money nowadays. And we’ve seen part of it going in other file sharing related projects or partnerships, correct me if I’m wrong.

          I also believe that ad-ran sharing sites also do make some sort of profits, depending on the overall traffic they receive.

          And I do believe they are entitled to that money. As much as they’d be entitled to my own money if they were based on donations. And I wouldn’t be one bit angry at them profiting on it. And I’d also still buy official goods even donating for such sites.

          Now, before you get hysteric and start welling “see? see? all pirates are filthy scum that want all free” even though you just read I buy official stuff let’s ponder why they are entitled to the profits in depth.

          When the music industry gets songs from an artist they compile cds/dvds/whatever and distribute it. The work itself if from the artist (although twisted copyright laws actually allow them to own the rights and virtually the artist). No artists no label, simple as that. They get their money from distribution of the media in different means and with the advent of digital formats the actual distribution cost goes straight down increasing their profits. Sell it cheaper, with more quality and much more ppl will buy and buy more increasing revenue including with viewed and clicked ads within the selling sites (repeat).

          When a torrent site makes money from ads (or donations) it means that there are people using their indexing/tracking services. Which incidentally include copyrighted works. If the site is bad it’ll generate poor income and will eventually die. If the site is good, resilient, has a good community its popularity will skyrocket, more visitors will come, traffic will increase, more ads will be seen and revenue will increase (repeat). While they will have to spend more with bw and equipment these costs usually don’t go up proportionally so yes, they might generate some decent profit in the end.

          Now both are receiving for the service provided. I’m using torrents as an example but P2P in general offer a huge variety of files and content making them very attractive while the music industry is locked under their own copyright idiocies and lack of will to evolve. And not to say I don’t recognize, we are seeing pretty nice developments in several parts of the entertainment industry (Netflix in the US is killer just to cite an example).

          As for the MAFIAA label, they do work like a regular mafia pushing the boundaries of law to extremes but still within the law. And there’s a very worrisome point here: unlike regular mafias (or rather with much more frequency) this MAFIAA actually tries to change the laws when something doesn’t suit them or they want something currently illegal to be legal for them (or illegal to their customers so they can control them even more) in spite of what the ppl think about the issue. Now for the EC pointing a lobbyist for a legislative position is the same of them pointing a heavy file sharer to the same position. Obviously MAFIAA sees no problem but I bet my balls they’d be yelling their lungs out if a Pirate Party member was pointed to such key position. I WOULD CRITICIZE if a Pirate Party Member was pointed to this position because it’d be some absurd biasing as much as it is with an anti-piracy grunt up there. Can you step down from your anti-piracy ideology and actually see the problem here?

          And last but not least: file sharing has been hotter than ever and MAFIAA keeps moaning about it but where are the revenue losses? Nowhere. And if you consider indie labels or independent works that are also receiving lots of money (not to mention the shows) the overall revenue actually went up more than MAFIAA’s already record profits.

      • Anonymous

        Also, anarchy (in a monarch-ish way) worked for thousands of years for the Native Americans. I’m perfectly fine with anarchy. In fact, anarchy is how many societies got along for thousands of years.

        The fact is, the MPAA/RIAA IS a money laundering threatening organization with nothing but profit and dicks held up their armpits.

        • JJBiener

          Native Americans were not anarchists. They were tribal. Within each tribe there was a definite social/political structure.

        • rreipas

          And yet Native Americans were living in a form of anarchy, since there was no central government to rule them. Anarchy doesn’t mean that there are no social structures. It’s about having extremely decentralized/democratized social structures, and no state or capitalists having power over the people.

      • Anonymous

        “It’s truly ironic that pirates attach ominous labels like “Mafiaa” to proponents of copyright”

        Oh, Jack. Where have you been?

        They chose that name themselves: Music And Film Industry Association of America.

        Try searching ‘mafiaa’ on your favourite search engine, and they are likely to be the first link.

        • MAFIAA

          Nice find. Nice spoof. Nice date.

      • Anonymous

        Hey Eric, Eeeh… i mean Jack Murdock. That picture on your facebook is copyrighted. Please remove it before i call the copyright police. Stupid troll.

        • Anonymous

          EPIC.

      • jack.ss

        Either you work for FOX or you have just made a copywrong infringment. If you live in France you now have one more strike before you get your internet cut off..

        How can you be so stupid to use a picture on facebook from the Simpsons, and then to come here and troll this forum?

        Why don’t you contact FOX and turn yourself in, you have been calling us file sharers thieves – Show some balls and turn yourself in :D

        Guess this is the last time you troll this site – Next time you write it will be as someone like us – Welcome Back Pirate Jack :D

        • DocGerbil100

          His FB page does more than breach a copyright – it publishes his real identity as one E**c B***m (redacted here for his own protection) of California State University, East Bay. Now that’s what I call stupid! :D

        • jack.ss

          I can’t make up my mind if he is a troll, a tool or just stupid. Just in case I did a Jing from his FB page if he also have a bad memory :D

        • http://www.facebook.com/eric.boehm Jack Murdock

          lol

          Im breaching copyright by using a picture I from a DVD that I bought? Gee, I wonder what’s worse. A tiny screen cap from a split second of an episode or all the people who have hundreds of gigs of pilfered material (eg any major uploader on a torrent site.)

        • http://disqus.com/ Rob8urcakes

          It is with the greatest of pleasure I hereby anoint you, Eric/Jack Murdoock, the honorary and noble title “Pirate Jack”, with all the benefits and responsibilities that comes with this respected position.

          Wear it well and with pride comrade Pirate.

        • Ninja Samwray

          An infringement is still an infringement. Some1 correct if I’m wrong but if I use whatever piece of copyrighted work small or large, without the consent of the holder so it is an infringement. While most companies don’t mind/pursue an infringement such as Jackie’s one it’s still unlawful according to the copyright laws, considering he has made such picture public by pasting it in his FB profile.

          Yes Jack, those are your precious copyright laws that intend to protect creativity.

          You fail.

        • Anonymous

          Does it matter what’s worse though, Jack? Infringement is infringement, as you have so delightfully told us so many times, and the fact that you never asked permission to use the image doesn’t matter.

          And don’t give me that shit that you said you asked because I know you didn’t. Your a dick.

      • Anonymous

        I don’t often agree with you (this is probably the first time), but you’re bang on the money here:

        “by issuing death threats and inciting others into a mob frenzy, you aren’t helping the file sharing case at all. In fact, it just makes it that much easier for the government to take decisive action against file sharing sites.”

        People who want the current copyright and sharing situation to change (as I do) should take note of this, simply because it’s true. We won’t get anywhere if we just rant and make sweeping remarks without offering some sort of workable alternative, or at least some coming up with some some suggestions and talking points for those who actually can change things.

      • thesnuke

        Someone’s Paying Right Wing Trolls:

        THIS IS A REAL AD!!!

        Writers Needed To Post Right-Wing Comments
        Date: 2011-03-28, 3:18PM MDT

        Reply to: job-q32uh-2291978638@craigslist.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots.

        You need JavaScript enabled to view it

        Writers needed to post right-wing comments to social media and news outlets.

        We are a social media company working for a political organization, hired to help balance the left-wing bias of the major media outlets by supplying a team of writers who will post to newspaper comments, media forums, Facebook pages, etc.

        Your writing must be strong, right-wing and use the supplied talking points without being bogged down in too much detail. You are creating an online persona with a consistent tone. Ideally you can find or construct facts and statistics to stir controversey. Where suited humour is welcome.

        You are a news junky who is able to log on to news forums and Facebook pages several times a day. You are able to write comments tailored to new topics while repating key talking points.

        http://www.beamsandstruts.com/bits-a-pieces/item/354-craigslist-want-ad

        • Phobophobia

          Tell me you are not surprised by this!
          Artificial “grass-roots”, or, astroturfing.

      • thesnuke

        Someone’s Paying Right Wing Trolls:

        THIS IS A REAL AD!!!

        Writers Needed To Post Right-Wing Comments
        Date: 2011-03-28, 3:18PM MDT

        Reply to: job-q32uh-2291978638@craigslist.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots.

        You need JavaScript enabled to view it

        Writers needed to post right-wing comments to social media and news outlets.

        We are a social media company working for a political organization, hired to help balance the left-wing bias of the major media outlets by supplying a team of writers who will post to newspaper comments, media forums, Facebook pages, etc.

        Your writing must be strong, right-wing and use the supplied talking points without being bogged down in too much detail. You are creating an online persona with a consistent tone. Ideally you can find or construct facts and statistics to stir controversey. Where suited humour is welcome.

        You are a news junky who is able to log on to news forums and Facebook pages several times a day. You are able to write comments tailored to new topics while repating key talking points.

        http://www.beamsandstruts.com/bits-a-pieces/item/354-craigslist-want-ad

  • Adolf

    Yes, the copyright and patent systems are corrupt and being blatantly being abused across the world. Tell me something I don’t already know.

    The rich (and thus powerful) will do everything possible to keep the balance tipped in their favor. Has always been the case, always will be.

    • Edward

      Not always… that is silly to claim such an absolute. Like all things… it will end… The question is when

  • Xult

    If you cannot convince the politicians.
    Then become one!
    No need to spend funds on lobbying.
    If you are in the main seats!
    They are taking over the Governments .
    Very dangerous bunch of people who
    basically want to censor and observe everything.
    The Ministry of Truth will soon be set up.
    Orwell was right!

    • James Woods

      interesting so the theory is that if
      you want to be a whiny bitch just
      run for congress and if your a tool
      become president!

    • Ninja

      “The problem of those who don’t like politics is that they are ruled by those who like it the most.” (My neighbor)

      I bet you were waiting for some author like Karl Marx there ;)

      But yeah, I’ve thought about it. I might give it a chance in the future.

  • http://twitter.com/ezee ezee

    Instead of bitching and moaning…

    It’s obvious they have upped their game, it’s time for us up our game and to develop better systems to combat this.

    Lets be honest, we can never really beat these scumbags in a courtroom as it’s their natural habitat and they are making the laws. This needs a tech solution to make their laws obsolete.

    We have done it before so it’s not like it’s un-doable.
    Examples would be: Proxies, VPNs,cyber lockers, youtube audio to mp3… heck! Napster and all its children etc.

    Up the game people… up the motherf…… game!
    (At eZee we are already working on some stuff)

    • Anonymous

      That’s exactly what we do now. They get rid of Newzbin, Newzbin 2.0: with a vengence. They shut down Limewire, lol Limewire pirated edition & Frostwire. They want to sue over torrents, magnet links. Hell, Deluge even uses just hash values. They block a website, we proxy or tor or vpn around it. The seize a domain, we use the IP or the new domain from another country.

      They rush forward with a plan to stop things & inject it into our online society. We have a plan B, C & D to counter. A few hundred legal minds simply are no match for hundreds of thousands technologically thinking minds. The internet is an invisible entity & that frightens the fuck out of them, because they don’t know how to fight something with no physical form. So they stand around in their courts like they are churches, clinging to the hope that they can bring law and order on all planes of this invisible digital world, but the truth is… they can’t. The internet has no laws. You can point a finger at a person, you can’t point it at a string of numbers or letters.

      I’m on a proxy through some random person’s wifi on a computer paid for with cash. I never give out personal details such as my real name, date of birth, address, phone number, pictures of myself, or anything else. How can you find me? How can you stop me from doing whatever I want on the internet? How do you fight a ghost? YOU CAN’T.

      • http://disqus.com/ Rob8urcakes

        OMFG, that ^ was soooooo well put.

        I hereby elect you President Frosty of cyberspace.
        *bends on one knee with head bowed in deference.

      • http://disqus.com/ Rob8urcakes

        OMFG, that ^ was soooooo well put.

        I hereby elect you President Frosty of cyberspace.
        *bends on one knee with head bowed in deference.

      • http://twitter.com/ezee ezee

        Wait just a little while, I think the story of what we have been working on will break on TF (Once it’s done, Ernesto is gonna get an email!) ;)

        It’s so simple you are going to love it!

        • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_Z4JTWH4ZP6KJHWGFACE3M4AEUQ Getridov Disqus

          Go on ezee, give us a clue!

          As for “Meanwhile, IFPI members will be cracking open bottles of Champagne and dancing with excitement in their offices”

          If everyone using Bittorrent migrated to Gnunet https://gnunet.org/ their little party would well and truly pissed upon in an instant.

        • http://twitter.com/ezee ezee

          Lets just say COICA and other domain seizures’ power will be diminished a bit… and you don’t have too long to wait, we are almost ready in 14 days!

        • http://twitter.com/ezee ezee

          Lets just say COICA and other domain seizures’ power will be diminished a bit… and you don’t have too long to wait, we are almost ready in 14 days!

    • Derp

      It’s true that they win in the court rooms, and it is also true that that is because they have bought and paid for the laws.

      There is nothing wrong with the courts, there is something wrong with the laws.

      Therefore we must somehow change the law.

      This means we need to control politics, to the point where it is more interesting to listen to the demands of pirates, than the copyright industry.

      An idea on how to do this:

      In every country, run 1 candidate per existing party. Those candidates swear to only do 2 things if they get into office:
      1) Change copyight law, and copyright enforcement for the better (Pirate Politics).
      2) Solemny promise to otherwise, on every other subjet to vote the way the existing party he is latched onto wants.

      This will allow everyone to vote for the pirate politics, which are otherwise ignored across the board, while not running into the dillemma of having to vote for a one-trick-pony.

      • Anonymous

        A nice idea but most voters would vote for party A or B and rarely C with D, E and F getting nowhere quickly. To become the chosen candidate of a major party is also very rare being 1 out of hundreds or thousands.

        A more direct method is to be good friends with an elected politician or at least someone likely to become one. You can the use being a good friend to convince them to change copyright law for the public good.

        The other method is to help the majority of citizens into filesharing and where the democratic majority rule in the market, courts and government. Politicians cant go against majority rule without betraying democracy.

  • Pingback: Music Industry Lobbyist Becomes Europe’s Copyright Boss | Torrentfreak.com

  • ddlz

    Laws are being made for the benefits of the collective few disregarding the intersets of the majority. Fu ck these hypocrites.

    ____________________
    http://www.directdownloadlinkz.com

  • Him

    the name says it all, really! shame Rik Falkvinge didn’t apply. no disrespect intended, but think what the comments would have been had he got the job! there would have been uproar from the copyright industries, but having their own ‘inside man’ now everyone else is supposed to just accept it, without comment or criticism! even more biased views on the way? you betcha!

  • http://twitter.com/xRDVx xRDVx

    I don’t know. I guess this means they can do whatever they want. The sad fact is that, since most consumers will continue to pay (or get caught), these companies will keep up in there.

    What we need to do is change the whole market: support projects like Pioneer one (even if you don’t like it, think of it this way: you’re not giving that money to the big companies); create and support media that’s free; use free software; and above all, convince others to not pay those big companies and do not file-share unless the data in question (music, video, apps, etc etc etc) allows you to do so.

    I know that what I’m saying is hard to do, hell, maybe impossible (even for myself)… but we gotta start somewhere. I agree we need newer technology, decentralized communication platforms, better privacy, and so on, and hell, I say we gotta encourage those too, but right now, we have to support what is not trying to oppress the consumer. If then they start suppressing the creators, I guess we’ll have no choice but to use force. After all, it looks like words don’t work.

  • Bloodmage478

    Music my a** . For the last few years i havnt come across a good music album.Wasted all the money buying orignals .Completly f**d.

  • Marx?

    The solution is simple and clear, indeed fight copywrong on their battlefield. First of all, everyone here complaining about these abuse of power, GO VOTE instead of finding lame excuses not to go. And when you vote, vote Pirateparty. You don’t have a pirateparty in your country? make one…
    Stop complaining and doing nothing, the thing the copywrongers are the most scared of is when we get really organized and get the same power as they have, because we are with more than they are, they will try to scare us and if that does not work, fight us and then bribe us because they have all the money, but we have people.. the people that buy…(or not!!!!) and VOTE.

    • hotdog

      I couldn’t agree with you more.

  • Anono

    fffuuuuu… How about to throw this bitch to the 4chan trolls? How about a cup of rage? I cant believe. I hardly pirate things; no music at all. But this makes me real angry. I want to do something but i don’t know what or how. They will control and fuck my/our future…. and I see a pessimistic future now.

  • DocGerbil100

    While I’m by no means in favour of the appointment – or remotely suprised by it, for that matter – it does at least let us know where we stand regarding future EU law.

    Welcome to the European Union, where corruption is once again freely and openly rewarded – and all citizens’ rights are for sale to the highest bidder.

    • http://disqus.com/ Rob8urcakes

      It does seem EU politics, due to the undemocratic nature of the EC (ie European Commission) is indeed open to the highest bidder DocG, and it’s awfully disappointing my friend :(

      Our ONE ray of hope is to sway the opinion of our elected MEP’s by writing to them, and alerting them to this terrible appointment, and to urge them to vote for fairer laws for ALL concerned and not merely to serve the interests of this narrow, greedy little group of industrialists who have time and again demonstrated their stupidity and reluctance to accept and adapt to change and improvements in technology.

      MAFIAA, IFPI and FACT, AFACT etc can simply fuck off and die – the artists don’t NEED you any more.

  • Momo

    “Prat”? Uh-huh.

  • http://codebad.com/ Donny Viszneki

    > judge got to rule on a case that had a direct impact on her former employee.

    “former employer”

  • Momo

    Btw, what’s up with all these women politicians selling out to the copyright industry? Espinel, Prat, Sinde, Gallo, etc etc. Always women…

    • Anonymous

      Easy to make into puppets and they are verbally strong.

      • Momo

        Maybe it’s the pay gap – they’re cheaper to buy.

  • Momo

    Btw, what’s up with all these women politicians selling out to the copyright industry? Espinel, Prat, Sinde, Gallo, etc etc. Always women…

  • Whatever

    Who appointed her anyway ? Other paid politicians ofcourse…

    This way politicians will keep their hands clean and their reputation safe. National politicians will allow their ministers in the commision to agree to any new laws. The European parliament will moan a bit. Then the national politicians will say that they cannot do anything because “Europe” decided on the law so it must be implemented.

    (They seem to have an endless supply of worn out women)

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_4SCIYMGGXZOLMMUXG7NRYIO5OY ma.flor

    I see corruption, abuse of power, monopoly and more chasing in the future. Now they are gathering new allies to stop file sharing and free apps downloads. Damn bitches!

    “We help Americans find jobs, prosperity and explore Asia.”
    For details, visit http://www.pathtoasia.com/jobs

  • Anonymous

    “Prat” is the perfect name for her.

  • ZERO

    this madness needs to stop the UK needs to pull out of the EU right now,

    the thing is these people in europe who we dont know make new laws that we have to follow, they are deciding what is good for everyone, but ofcourse they are not, they are only helping themselves and their friends.

    then the politicians simply say “blame europe” all the time still following their crazy laws.

    i never realised that europes parliment was so corrupt, untill this crazy story. but if things like this are allowed to happen it is only a matter of time before we loose all freedom..

    We vote for a priminister and a government, how can this other parliment just dictate to us what we should do, while we have NO SAY.

    TIME TO SCRAP/REHAUL EUROPEAN PARLIMENTARY POWERS.

    • http://disqus.com/ Rob8urcakes

      It’s not the Parliament that’s “so corrupt”, it’s the European Commission and its stupid, undemocratic, unelected set-up that’s so freakin’ corrupt.

      • Whatever

        And who do you think makes up the Commission ?

        Ministers and representatives from all the EU countries. The thing is that anything they decide on in the EC has been agreed to by the minister of EVERY member state. So its your own national politicians that were part of it. Anyone of them could have said NO and it will not happen.

        Those ministers ofcourse are indirectly elected through parliament elections. Also the parlaiment has the power to tell a minister to be against anything he or she is discussing at the EC (although when they do the opposite parlaiment won’t make too much of a problem of it, example: Dutch politician in an EU agriculture!!! meeting deciding to vote “yes” on software patents).

        • http://disqus.com/ Rob8urcakes

          lol, yeah it’s awfully complicated and convoluted. I only tried to put forward the very basics is all.

          The appointment of this pro-IFPI/MAFIAA witch doesn’t augur well for the future safety and security of our freedoms, and it is indeed a sad day for filesharers worldwide and not just in the Euro-zone.

    • Anonymous

      That is what the Independence Party in the UK want. They say we don’t need European control and can trade with them just fine anyway.

  • Anonymous

    Lol, looks like American type politics have arrived in Europe. You guys are just as fucked now. They got one of their own on the top position, haha.

    • http://disqus.com/ Rob8urcakes

      I’m afraid I agree 100% and it doesn’t feel good :(

  • Anonymous

    Lol, looks like American type politics have arrived in Europe. You guys are just as fucked now. They got one of their own on the top position, haha.

  • JJBiener

    Are you surprised that the EU would appoint a person from an organization dedicated to crushing your testicles to a post in a copyright enforcement unit dedicated to crushing your testicles? You do realize that you are breaking the law, and it is the job of governments to stop you?

    Do you honestly believe you are going to overturn hundreds of years of copyright law with technology?

    You guys don’t speak for artists. You don’t speak for the public. The only people you speak for is those who want to steal copyrighted music with impunity. That just isn’t a very strong base of support.

    In the 60′s people were out in the streets to stop a war. You are out there trying to get free music. Do you see the difference?

    • Anonymous

      TROLL!

      From now on i ignore your posts.

    • Anonymous

      TROLL!

      From now on i ignore your posts.

      • JJBiener

        Yeah, Anon, I know. Facts are such difficult things to deal with. I completely understand. Ignore away.

        • Anonymous

          TROLL from Cape Canaveral, FL.

        • JJBiener

          Haven’t already tried this tactic, or was that someone else here?

      • Anonymous

        Troll or no troll, the man proposes interesting questions, and you shouldn’t dismiss them immediately as absolutely useless. If you are going to stand by your beliefs, STAND BY THEM, and don’t go out to a battlefield and yell “GUN!” when you see a gun. That is precisely what you’ve done.

        Good job. (said in all satirical nature)

        • Whatever

          Interesting questions ? No, hiding MAFIAA lies in questions that pretend to state a fact: “hundreds of years of copyright law with technology?”

          There is no hundreds of years copyright law “with technology”. And even copyright law without technology isn’t that old in any form. And much less than 100 years there wasn’t anything similar to what it looks like now. The purpose has changed from printing press protection to the protection of “imaginary property”.

          This is a MAFIAA bot. Trolls are in many forms here to change discussions. If the US goverment is trying to assume profiles to change opinion, companies already know how to do it for years.

          It is a poisioning entity as some apparantly can convinced of a different history or false facts. Check 1984 for an example of rewriting history. For all i know you could be a supporting troll to say “He, do take notice of what he/she is saying, there is a point there”.

          Also: It’s a “unit that deals copyright AND enforcement ISSUES” (see article) not a “copyright enforcement unit”. An “enforcement unit” would be policing, not making laws. So still no point there.

        • Whatever

          Interesting questions ? No, hiding MAFIAA lies in questions that pretend to state a fact: “hundreds of years of copyright law with technology?”

          There is no hundreds of years copyright law “with technology”. And even copyright law without technology isn’t that old in any form. And much less than 100 years there wasn’t anything similar to what it looks like now. The purpose has changed from printing press protection to the protection of “imaginary property”.

          This is a MAFIAA bot. Trolls are in many forms here to change discussions. If the US goverment is trying to assume profiles to change opinion, companies already know how to do it for years.

          It is a poisioning entity as some apparantly can convinced of a different history or false facts. Check 1984 for an example of rewriting history. For all i know you could be a supporting troll to say “He, do take notice of what he/she is saying, there is a point there”.

          Also: It’s a “unit that deals copyright AND enforcement ISSUES” (see article) not a “copyright enforcement unit”. An “enforcement unit” would be policing, not making laws. So still no point there.

    • Anon

      Laws are made only to favor those who write them.

      • JJBiener

        Wow, you have some serious cynicism going on there. I am not saying you are wrong necessarily, but that is seriously cynical.

    • Trespass

      Okay, JJ, I’m up for a debate. The stealing analogy is really getting annoying. I have no idea how old you are, so…. was it stealing when we were taping songs with cassettes off of the radio back in the seventies and eighties? Was it stealing when we used our VCR’s to record a show off of HBO when VHS was the bomb? Why are TIVOs legal? We were COPYING, we were not stealing. No original item or product was lost or removed. Recording media has always been bothersome to the RIAA/MPAA.

      They started with the phonograph, Oh, no, lost sales from live performances, they cried. Then they balked at the radio, crying lost sales. When cassette tape was introduced, more of the same. The fight really came to a head when VHS and Betamax were introduced in the ’70′s.

      My point? Recording, not stealing, has been around since music and film were created. Technology has advanced, but the copyright laws have not. I see very little difference between what I was doing in the ’70′s and what I am doing now. Music and film sales always thrived as they are now. Every year I hear of record breaking box office records, but yet sharing is killing the industry? Sound like greed to me. It is all propaganda that dates back to the 70′s.

      Recording/ sharing is not going to go away. Maybe it is time to bring the business model to the 21st century and stop suing kids and people who don’t have the sense to use a vpn or a proxy.

      • JJBiener

        Tresspass – “The stealing analogy is really getting annoying.”

        I can see why it would make you uncomfortable after you have spent so much time and effort convincing yourself you aren’t really stealing.

        “was it stealing when we were taping songs with cassettes off of the radio back in the seventies and eighties? Was it stealing when we used our VCR’s to record a show off of HBO when VHS was the bomb? Why are TIVOs legal?”

        As long as it was for personal use, it is legal. It is called Time Shifting. It falls under Fair Use. If you were making copies and giving them to your friends, they yes, it was stealing.

        “Technology has advanced, but the copyright laws have not.”

        Actually, the law has changes several times over the last 40 years to accomodate changes in technology.

        “I see very little difference between what I was doing in the ’70′s and what I am doing now. ”

        It really depends on what you are doing. If you are downloading or uploading copyrighted material to a P2P network, then what you are doing is very different. It no longer falls under fair use.

        Fair Use is a very limited exception to copyright law. A copyright is exactly what it says. It is the right to make copies. This means that all copies of the original or copies of copies belong to the copyright holder. If you make a copy off a P2P network or if you copy a file to a P2P network, you are breaking the law. You are stealing someone’s property.

        “Music and film sales always thrived as they are now.”

        This isn’t really true, but in either case, it is irrelevant. Nothing in the copyright law says anything about how successful the copyright owners are.

        “Maybe it is time to bring the business model to the 21st century and stop suing kids and people who don’t have the sense to use a vpn or a proxy. ”

        Maybe it is time for you and others like you to stop stealing from copyright holders.

        • Trespass

          It’s not stealing, but you can keep drinking your kool aid as long as you like. This is all about money and buying/bribing political lobbyists. America was bought and sold a long time ago and Europe is next.

          BTW If I was ever caught, and I won’t, I would not be charged with theft or stealing anything. No policeman is coming to my door. I could be sued, but theft, or stealing is a chargeable offense, and that does NOT happen. Under the law, this is not theft.

          I also realize that the more posts I read of yours, the less intelligent you sound. You no longer deserve anymore of my time, since you don’t really debate, you just maintain your holier than thou attitude and judge others.

          Coming too this site and trying to stir others must somehow validate your own shortcomings. No other explanation as to why you would Troll.

        • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_IZ5BM5GNLA54OADSWGSXAMA7SY Jay

          You really need to look into Righthaven’s works…

        • Ninja

          Turns on the radio. Inserts tape. Records song. Give a copy for a friend for free because you think it’s nice.

          Turns computer on. Turns cable tv device on and changes to music channel. Captures the audio into mp3. Think a friend will like and send him the mp3 via e-mail/torrent/emule/whatever.

          I see no difference except for the fact that making a copy of the mp3 is way faster.

          So yes, your stealing argument doesn’t work. Copying from the radio/cable tv into a tape is the same of copying from a tape to a tape (or from an hd for an hd). Actually, in the past if I recorded a song from a radio I wouldn’t buy anything because I’ve already spent money on the tape. Now I’ll buy when I download because no money was spent. So I was more of a “criminal” when I was a kid than I am now.

          Ah well, your tone from previous posts and current ones suggest you’d be a great church inquisitor. So why do we bother? In my case I find it fun, wonder about the rest.

        • Dead guy

          amendment ”shifting” is by technicality equivalent to pirating but unless credit is not given to its ”creator” or is hosted with clear intent of screwing its creator ie. prereleasing full movies, OS’s, games etc it should be considered piracy not stealing.
          stealing would be if someone stole the item piracy is someone copying from someone else.

    • Anonymous

      Seeing that the MPAA/RIAA has been lobbying/bribing politicians for years then it is no wonder the laws are a mess they are, wrote to benefit corporate dictators, and only limited by containing pure insanity.

      You should remember back to 1980 and recall what the MPAA head Jack Valenti said about our ever lovable VCRs…

      We are going to bleed and bleed and hemorrhage, unless this Congress at least protects one industry that is able to retrieve a surplus balance of trade and whose total future depends on its protection from the savagery and the ravages of this machine. … I say to you that the VCR is to the American film producer and the American public as the Boston strangler is to the woman home alone.

      Thankfully in the case Sony Corp. of America v. Universal City Studios, Inc., the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the VCR device was allowable for private use.

      In the following years film companies found that videorecordings of their movies proved to be a huge source of income. That count ruling and market lives on today in terms of DVD and BluRay sales.

      People were granted their right to personal home entertainment under their control only inflicted by negative aspects like macrovision and CGMS.

      Maybe one day file sharing may also receive a large corporate backer and in an EPIC court case non-profit file sharing may also be ruled as “fair use” for private home use.

      Where will you be then? Enjoying your new freedom and entertainment I can say.

      The MPAA fears that conclusion like Jack Valenti feared the VCR would strangle his wife and eat this children while ignoring the new market they could profit from.

      • JJBiener

        Violated0 – I addressed this the last time you brought this up. Go back and look it up. You can’t make a Fair Use argument about posting files to a P2P network. Fair Use refers to personal use. Not distributing copyright over a network. If the court ever did something like this, it would completely invalidate copyright. I can see why you would want that to happen, just don’t expect to see it.

        • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_IZ5BM5GNLA54OADSWGSXAMA7SY Jay

          Here, your argument is getting dubious. You can’t distribute “copyright”. You’re distributing a file or song. The court did do this, but for some reason we don’t have tech savvy judges who look at technology with the eye that it needs. (Sony vs Betamax)

          The only one that understood the tech issues just recently retired.

        • Anonymous

          The “fair use” right I am talking about is to download copyrighted works without any money involved. In many/most countries that is already lawful but they are trying to remove that freedom.

          As to uploading then that should at minimum respect intent when on such a BitTorrent system people usually need to share to download. So their intent is to simply download the file or to hit the 1:1 point and to return to the system what they have taken. Long term seeding is much less common.

          Most people do buy what they enjoy so it is a preview. The copyright holder can make sales with extras, features, support and better quality. Filesharing also makes good FREE advertising for them (a big gain when commercial advertising is a HUGE expense) and exposes more people to their creation which creates more fans and sales.

          My point is that P2P filesharing is still new and the law DOES NOT reflect or respect this market. Laws are currently changing rapidly and who can say where those dice will land. They copyright side are in fact VERY SCARED that they could lose control which explains their bullying and abuse.

          What YOU have said IGNORES that laws do change and obtaining our freedom from copyright abuse is always a huge fight. You would not have your VCR/DVD/BluRay now if not for the home use freedom War fought by our parents.

          Last of all they can NEVER CONTROL THE MARKET. The market exists to meet a demand that copyright has never yet filled.

          The Pirate Bay currently reports that 25.8 MILLION people are currently using BT within their tracking range. Since most people do not use BT constantly then real users are around 20 to 100 times higher. That also excludes private trackers and many other download methods like Usenet and Filelockers.

          The market is HUGH and COMPLETELY OUTSIDE THEIR CONTROL. They currently PANIC and try to FORCE CONTROL by REMOVING OUR FREEDOMS.

          Since they will FAIL when our freedoms cannot be largely violated then there is only SURRENDER, to meet MARKET DEMAND and to then PROFIT.

          This is a WAR NOT about PROFIT but about CONTROL. A War they will lose because they lost control when they released it.

        • Ninja

          Amen.

      • Anonymous

        “You should remember back to 1980 and recall what the MPAA head Jack Valenti said”

        May favourite was:

        Mr. VALENTI. “Seventy-five percent [of homes] have a permanent collection [of video recordings]. My own home, we do it in our on home. I know about that. Anybody that has a VCR, talk to them, and I ask you to use your own commonsense, Mr. Chairman, Mrs. Schroeder, Mr. Railsback, just think of you as human beings. If you had the power to sit on a playback of a recording and you could wipe out the commercials or not wipe out the commercials, what would you do? You would do exactly what you said, sir. That is terrific. Of course. We all do it.

        But when you do it, you strip away the reason for free television. Now, let me –”

        Mr. KASTENMEIER. “Jack, let me ask you. Do you consider yourself and your family infringers when you engage in that practice? ”

        Mr. VALENTI. “I consider myself and my family believing what the plaintiffs in this lawsuit said and they said publicly, they have said it to the press, they have said it to the lawyers, they have said it to the courts. They do not intend to file any actions against homeowners now or in the future. I mean, that is obvious and they have said that publicly, Mr. Chairman, so I believe them. As far as I am concerned, I am going to continue taping because the plaintiffs have said they aren’t going to do anything to me. I am not committing any crime. They know that.”

        And:

        Mr. VALENTI. “I am taking somebody else’s copyrighted material without their consent and I know damn well I am infringing. But as far as court action or anything else, I am safe. First, it is not a criminal act. Again, the opposition would tell you video, police, and criminals. They show an astonishing lack of the copyright law. They know good and well that that is not a criminal infringement unless you do it for profit.”

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_Z4JTWH4ZP6KJHWGFACE3M4AEUQ Getridov Disqus

      We ARE the public…

      • JJBiener

        Yeah, keep telling yourself that.

        • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_Z4JTWH4ZP6KJHWGFACE3M4AEUQ Getridov Disqus

          Just who the hell do you think filesharers are then? A bunch of gangsters sitting in front of computers surrounded by cocaine, guns, prostitutes, and stolen goods; uploading and downloading files for mountains of cash?

          Let me enlighten you to who filesharers REALLY are. Filesharers are teachers, doctors, nurses, accountants, lawyers, firefighters, policemen, journalists, musicians, film makers, students, IT specialists. Filesharers are the people that bring the food to your table when you eat in a restaurant, the man who fixes your computer, the papergirl that delivers your newspaper in the morning, the man fixing that hole in the road, that soldier “fighting for your freedoms” in Afghanistan, that single mother struggling to bring up three kids alone, that widower who just lost his wife of 40 years. And they are all doing it for FREE.

          According to you all these people are criminals, do you happen to have shares in private prisons by any chance?

          Get your head out of the law books and start making contact with humanity again JJ

        • Ninja

          You know, your comment nearly brought me to tears. Indeed all those common folks are file sharers, MAFIAA’s customers and (according to the same entity) criminals because of their sharing. I’d include printers in this but I think that’s just a blunder from our favorite clowns.

          I second you asking JJ to take his head out of his arse.. I mean, law books and get in touch with humanity.

        • Anonymous

          We are the world
          We are the children
          We are the ones who make a brighter day
          So let’s start giving sharing.

          Singing over so let me point out that both artists and copyright holders are a SMALL MINORITY compared to the market that seeks entertainment through whatever means that best suits them.

          Many artists know that the market has CHANGED and some of those have adapted and now profit great. Those who moan the most have not changed at all.

    • JjBeaner

      Fuck the 60s. Bring back the 30s, German style. The Riaa and mpaa wouldn’t even exist considering who runs them.

      • jack.ss

        The IFPI was formed as the phonographic industry held its first international congress in Rome, 10–14 November 1933, the host was Confederazione Generale Fascista dell’Industria Italiana.

        Mussolini’s fascist ghost has possessed IFPI since then..

        Here is an old TF article I found on how they tried to cover it up:
        htt*://torrentfreak.c*m/ifpi-erases-evidence-of-fascist-roots-for-75th-anniversary-080408/

      • jack.ss

        The IFPI was formed as the phonographic industry held its first international congress in Rome, 10–14 November 1933, the host was Confederazione Generale Fascista dell’Industria Italiana.

        Mussolini’s fascist ghost has possessed IFPI since then..

        Here is an old TF article I found on how they tried to cover it up:
        htt*://torrentfreak.c*m/ifpi-erases-evidence-of-fascist-roots-for-75th-anniversary-080408/

        • Heil Hollywood

          Hitler fixed the economy. According to the RIAA/MPAA it’s money that’s important, not human rights or freedom.
          So logically, we should vote for the Nazi party.

        • JJBiener

          What about the rights of the people who create the music? Don’t their rights count for anything?

        • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_IZ5BM5GNLA54OADSWGSXAMA7SY Jay

          Why is it that people appeal to artists’ rights when they’re losing an argument?

        • Donotreply

          Through ignorance of how the market operates.

          To them the Distribution network (your Sony, BMI, EMI, and so on) IS the artist and all the profits from a CD etc go to them (the creative talent that made the media what it is) while we here TF readers know that well, every sale goes towards these corps which in turn funds the lawsuits, lobbyists and non ‘sharing is caring’ subscribers that make up these articles =X

          For TF readers still doubting the above (or peeps needing a refresher) start here:
          http://www.negativland.com/albini.html

          Artist –> Distribution network –> the Public

          That above is the old style which netted the Distribution network $$$$$$$$$$ (a tenth of that would have been an artists dream as Steve Albini itemized on the above site) because the only way the Public could hear about an artist was through those networks (on radio [payola scam being part of that for a while] or in shops on Vinyl, CD, etc).

          But the problem for the Distribution network (your Sony, BMI, EMI, and so on) is that there is no money for them in using the Internet as a distribution network because on it they would have to compete with P2P and other sharing technologies (the older model relying on physical disc manufacture and distribution, advertising etc was too expensive to allow much competition, let alone free distribution).

          Now times have changed and slowly this model is beginning to kick off:

          Artist –> Internet –>the Public

          The players from the Distribution network could get money by using a internet based service (iTunes, Netflix) but overall they really want to stick to the older money making model (that we here TF readers know is simply obsolete) because of the existence of real genuine alternatives that would cost the Artist no money to use (P2P etc).

          While I’m at it, the Artist to Internet link itself could still work in that the public gets to choose which artists they like (piracy getting a domestic fair use exception would be a welcome addition in Copyright Law to enact such a system which would also ensure commercial piracy remains illegal) and in turn want to pay the artist (a user pays model would work here as they set the price and feel they get a bargain while the artist makes more than they ever would in the old distribution network [assuming the artist actually makes something worth buying of course =) ] ) reward for their work to encourage future releases of good quality media (what nets the most $ in turn will be whats the most enjoyable as decided by us media consumers; not what is the most marketed as seen with the likes of Beiber =X =X ).

        • JJBiener

          What about the rights of the people who create the music? Don’t their rights count for anything?

        • JJBiener

          What about the rights of the people who create the music? Don’t their rights count for anything?

        • http://disqus.com/ Rob8urcakes

          Now do you guys see why I’ve been calling the MAFIAA and their paid political muppets in the USA a bunch of fascists as the Office of the US Trade Representative gets their foreign diplomats stationed in Countries worldwide to push for harsher laws and penalties for copywrong infringement?

          This has nothing to do with ‘real’ piracy, but everything to do with the fascist need to thwart freedom of speech, freedom to share, freedom to care.

          Thanks for that info jack :)

    • nobby

      In the sixties they didnt have the net…..by the seventies they did have tape recorders and we heard the same arguments about copyright as we do now….70′s/80′s; dont let em use tapes to copy records it will destroy the industry….80′s/90′s; dont let them use VHS to destroy the movie industry….90′s/00′s; dont let them use dvd’s it will kill the industry…blah blah blah. Old arguments that are as much a myth now as they were then. P2p is NOT effecting the music, games or movie sales at all. It all propaganda by the big buisnesses who are trying to scaremonger governments into keeping their prices inflated and stifling competition and creativity.

      • http://disqus.com/ Rob8urcakes

        Yep, the “industry” has created a false economy and wants to leech every single grimy cent out of us at every opportunity.

        Even if it means bribing politicians with the money WE GAVE THEM to get their way by passing stupid laws that put our freedoms at serious risk.

        Fuck off fascists!!!

    • nobby

      In the sixties they didnt have the net…..by the seventies they did have tape recorders and we heard the same arguments about copyright as we do now….70′s/80′s; dont let em use tapes to copy records it will destroy the industry….80′s/90′s; dont let them use VHS to destroy the movie industry….90′s/00′s; dont let them use dvd’s it will kill the industry…blah blah blah. Old arguments that are as much a myth now as they were then. P2p is NOT effecting the music, games or movie sales at all. It all propaganda by the big buisnesses who are trying to scaremonger governments into keeping their prices inflated and stifling competition and creativity.

    • Anonymous

      Here is what I believe:

      1 – I don’t have money. I am dirt poor. I cannot afford to pay for music at ALL. I am going by a minimum wage job, and trying to support myself just to eat in a college environment. I am also trying to support that.

      2 – Ironically, music is what I love most. However, I don’t agree with the methods that the RIAA use to promote music. Call be a liberal anti-big business (although that’s exactly the opposite of what I am) person, but I cannot stand by and let the RIAA and giant corporations “representing” people, but dismissing their personal musical wishes.

      The methodical mass lawsuits is no way to represent musicians. And many musicians would give ANYTHING to be signed to a big label, like anything under Warner Music Group or the like. The problem with this, is in such a cut throat business, people have no option except to either agree with the exact terms they dictate, or have absolute no success as a musician. This is what I disagree with. Too long has the RIAA solely abdicated all musicians except those who will do anything to get in the business.

      I agree with smaller name labels, like Sub-Pop (signed the Indie favorite “Fleet Foxes” and the first ones to sign the major band NIRVANA), who don’t take advantage of they’re clientele, and allow more musical freedom and more artist rights freedom. Sure, there are things in those contracts that HAVE to be there for the success of the record company, I realize this, but not the right-revoking methods of RIAA. It’s either their way or no way!

      In this, many Americans find themselves in a position with the Unions. Many states have laws banning schools from hiring teachers NOT in Unions, or Mining workers NOT in a Union. These “Unions” once stood for workers rights, and are now being used an a “privilege” Union, where they pick you out. Now, this is not the case for most Unions… So in this sense, the RIAA is definitely qualified as a self-supporting exlusive-member Union, which chooses what to pay it’s employees, what employees to hire, and what rights their employees have. This summarizes EXACTLY what the RIAA is. (you could argue that the RIAA is a corporation for the benefit of it’s labels that it’s “representing,” but they’re all on the same boat.)

      So, in this manner, it is hard for a musician to say “Hey, wait a minute! I don’t care if people download my music or not, okay?” or they will get more or less fired/let go.

      By the way… Russian Folk music is WEIRD. All those weird augmented and diminished and minor sevenths… ugh! Well, it’s not THAT bad… Just throwing that out there.

      Back on subject… it is hard for me to have basic artist rights that I would like, under any of the major labels. And if not under any of the major labels, it is exponentially harder for a musician to thrive and be successful.

      3 – The copyright/Digital Millenium Copyright Act laws need to be changed. The law was written in 1996, meanwhile the major source of internet piracy (torrenting) was released five years later in 2001. While one can say that torrenting is included in the DMCA, it does not explicitly describe peer-to-peer networking (at least in the context that would describe digital transportation of files from exactly one person to another in the form of a torrent or direct download from another persons computer). If you are going to fight for the copyright laws, I suggest you (and myself) that they be changed, albeit that we want them changed for different reasons.

      We can at least agree on that much. I look forward to a reply to this, and an intelligent discussion. ^_^

    • Anonymous

      Here is what I believe:

      1 – I don’t have money. I am dirt poor. I cannot afford to pay for music at ALL. I am going by a minimum wage job, and trying to support myself just to eat in a college environment. I am also trying to support that.

      2 – Ironically, music is what I love most. However, I don’t agree with the methods that the RIAA use to promote music. Call be a liberal anti-big business (although that’s exactly the opposite of what I am) person, but I cannot stand by and let the RIAA and giant corporations “representing” people, but dismissing their personal musical wishes.

      The methodical mass lawsuits is no way to represent musicians. And many musicians would give ANYTHING to be signed to a big label, like anything under Warner Music Group or the like. The problem with this, is in such a cut throat business, people have no option except to either agree with the exact terms they dictate, or have absolute no success as a musician. This is what I disagree with. Too long has the RIAA solely abdicated all musicians except those who will do anything to get in the business.

      I agree with smaller name labels, like Sub-Pop (signed the Indie favorite “Fleet Foxes” and the first ones to sign the major band NIRVANA), who don’t take advantage of they’re clientele, and allow more musical freedom and more artist rights freedom. Sure, there are things in those contracts that HAVE to be there for the success of the record company, I realize this, but not the right-revoking methods of RIAA. It’s either their way or no way!

      In this, many Americans find themselves in a position with the Unions. Many states have laws banning schools from hiring teachers NOT in Unions, or Mining workers NOT in a Union. These “Unions” once stood for workers rights, and are now being used an a “privilege” Union, where they pick you out. Now, this is not the case for most Unions… So in this sense, the RIAA is definitely qualified as a self-supporting exlusive-member Union, which chooses what to pay it’s employees, what employees to hire, and what rights their employees have. This summarizes EXACTLY what the RIAA is. (you could argue that the RIAA is a corporation for the benefit of it’s labels that it’s “representing,” but they’re all on the same boat.)

      So, in this manner, it is hard for a musician to say “Hey, wait a minute! I don’t care if people download my music or not, okay?” or they will get more or less fired/let go.

      By the way… Russian Folk music is WEIRD. All those weird augmented and diminished and minor sevenths… ugh! Well, it’s not THAT bad… Just throwing that out there.

      Back on subject… it is hard for me to have basic artist rights that I would like, under any of the major labels. And if not under any of the major labels, it is exponentially harder for a musician to thrive and be successful.

      3 – The copyright/Digital Millenium Copyright Act laws need to be changed. The law was written in 1996, meanwhile the major source of internet piracy (torrenting) was released five years later in 2001. While one can say that torrenting is included in the DMCA, it does not explicitly describe peer-to-peer networking (at least in the context that would describe digital transportation of files from exactly one person to another in the form of a torrent or direct download from another persons computer). If you are going to fight for the copyright laws, I suggest you (and myself) that they be changed, albeit that we want them changed for different reasons.

      We can at least agree on that much. I look forward to a reply to this, and an intelligent discussion. ^_^

    • Anonymous

      “You do realize that you are breaking the law, and it is the job of governments to stop you?”

      That must be why in quite a few countries it is LEGAL to download pretty much anything. As long as you are not profiting by selling what you download. (You know, burning dvds/cds and whatnot.) I won’t bother to list countries that have made downloading legal, but suffice it to say there are a few. Also, just because something is against the law doesn’t mean the law is right. Example: Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on a bus. Segregation. Women’s rights. Etc. They’re not comparable per se. But the laws were against all those things/people. The laws eventually were changed to catch up with the times that were changing even faster. What is illegal now won’t always be. At which point, we’re all going to laugh at and perhaps slap you. For being an idiot. (Normally I don’t resort to saying such things. But in your case I feel it’s justified. And I’m probably not alone on this site in that sentiment.)

      “You guys don’t speak for artists.”

      Indeed. And neither do the copyright groups. Which is why groups like Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails and many others have spoken out against the actions of the RIAA. And why those artists release albums themselves on their own websites. And allow people to pay what they want for said albums. Also, you don’t speak for the artists yourself. So I don’t know why you’re saying that.

      “You don’t speak for the public.”

      Again, neither do the copyright groups. As has been evidenced by countless studies showing that most people don’t see any harm in downloading. And truth be told, neither do you. (Speak for the public that is.)

      _____

      So on that note, what else do you have to say that I or someone else can knock out of the park or turn right back around against you?

      • Ninja

        Apartheid in South Africa. Would you follow such law? I wouldn’t.

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_IZ5BM5GNLA54OADSWGSXAMA7SY Jay

      Please stop appealing to emotions. What you have is a logical fallacy not supported by data but merely supported by an assertion of supposed justice.

    • Phobophobia

      Do you honestly believe you are going to overturn hundreds of years of copyright law with technology?

      Yes! Just like the Monasteries used to have the monopoly on copy’s of the written word, the printing press was invented.
      (see: filesharing)

      The printing press was made illegal in France to protect the monopoly, on pain of death.
      (see: monopoly lobbyists and new laws)

      So people printed books outside France and smuggled them in.
      (See: VPN and proxy)

      Civil unrest was because of minority wealth, power and rule.
      (see large corporations, and corrupt politicians / judges / lawmakers)

      Revolution [the renaissance] gave power to the newly educated masses – who decided they didn’t want to un-learn to read! they had access to the worlds culture and they didn’t want to give it up!

      (see: the future)

    • Anonymous

      “You do realize that you are breaking the law, and it is the job of governments to stop you?”

      No it isn’t. This is civil law (with the exception of for-profit duplication) and therefore it is not the government’s job to do anything, except to provide a court in which to hear the evidence.

  • http://blog.3dbloke.com 3dBloke

    A corrupt club, full of mutual back scratchers.

  • Censored

    Torrent censor?
    Is this site censored or just broken?

  • Censored

    Torrent censor?
    Is this site censored or just broken?

  • jack.ss

    Alan Toner, wordpress with some background info:

    h***://knowfuture.wordpress.c*m/2011/02/18/ip-enforcers-tool-up-in-europe/

    h***://knowfuture.wordpress.c*m/2011/02/28/inside-the-european-counterfeiting-and-piracy-observatory/#more-493

    h***://knowfuture.wordpress.c*m/2011/03/31/revolving-door-between-commission-and-copyright-industry/

    Vote Pirate Folks

    • Anonymous

      Keep up the good work.

  • jack.ss

    Alan Toner, wordpress with some background info:

    h***://knowfuture.wordpress.c*m/2011/02/18/ip-enforcers-tool-up-in-europe/

    h***://knowfuture.wordpress.c*m/2011/02/28/inside-the-european-counterfeiting-and-piracy-observatory/#more-493

    h***://knowfuture.wordpress.c*m/2011/03/31/revolving-door-between-commission-and-copyright-industry/

    Vote Pirate Folks

  • mafiaa yid

    What a fuckin prat she looks like a dirty gypsy

  • Barack Obama Dlying Cunt

    Ever wonder why slaves didn’t kill their masters?

  • Barack Obama Dlying Cunt

    Ever wonder why slaves didn’t kill their masters?

  • Pingback: Music Industry Lobbyist Becomes Europe's Copyright Boss | TorrentFreak | my blog

  • hotdog

    Joseph i mean jj biener 49 lives in cape Canaveral phone number (321) 868-****
    if you seriously don’t shut the hell up i’ll give all your info you are becoming actually harassing more than a poster here.
    49 years old i mean seriously dude go get a hobby no wonder you haven’t ever made it you keep complaining about people sharing.we are the internet!!! the torch has been light don’t let the fire out. secondly if you were ever a smart 49 year old you wouldn’t leave public info all over the internet.
    so Joseph please just huss,

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_IZ5BM5GNLA54OADSWGSXAMA7SY Jay

      Look, he’s entitled to his opinion, and he’s entitled to his privacy. I may not like some of the more… abrasive comments he makes but seriously, you don’t need to troll him.

      Let him have his opinion. Time will either prove him right or wrong.

  • T.H.E. S.W.A.R.M.

    SHE WILL BE ADDED TO OUR SWARM

    RESISTANCE IS FUTILE

    BESIDES WE NEED A COUPLE OF SWARMETTES ,, LAMO

  • JJBinner

    Hey guys, here’s an update on the JJ

    Record Label: Unsigned

    JJ Biener is looking for work in the real world as either a BA or a QA Manager. Any leads would be appreciated.

    IT’S THE PIRATES FAULT THAT I’M NOT SUCCESSFUL AND FORCED TO TROLL FILESHARING DISCUSSIONS TO DRIVE PEOPLE TO GOOGLE MY ALIAS JUST SO THEY’LL ACCIDENTALLY CLICK ON ONE OF MY SONGS

    • hotdog

      Googles a hell of a drug ;p

    • thesnuke

      Ohhhh…..that was EPIC!!!!

    • Anonymous

      Hey, personal attacks shouldn’t be tolerated here. You’re the troll now.

  • Neotoasty

    Goes to show how America likes to blow it’s load all over the rest of the world. It makes me wonder, just how long are they going to pressure and oppress us to the point where violence is going to boil over? It’s what they’re asking for every day with the stuff and dirty tricks they pull.

    They just love to learn things the hard way, the only way to make stubborn old fools learn.

  • JJBiener

    Are you really so desperate to shut me up that you would stoop to this?

    • Neotoasty

      Are you really so desperate to find out how nobody cares what you say and that you’re just text to most of us that we can easily skip over?

      You’re a troll, end of story. Now, let’s all not feed the troll.

    • hotdog

      My momma always warned me about 50 year old men talking to younger people.

  • Moses Supposes he likes cock

    You know most artists signed with major labels have opinions similar to JJBiener’s.
    That is, if JJ was on 50x more coke and heroin.
    Except instead of making their opinions public they hide behind the RIAA like a bunch of pussies.

  • Anonymous

    Maria Martin-Prat, what an appropriate name

  • NJH

    I say let them corrupt the EU, let them put up a great firewall of Britain, let them seize domains and jail up-loaders. They are just making netizens more angry, and If there’s one thing we have learned about netizens this year it’s this: IF YOU SH*T ON THEM LONG ENOUGH THEY WILL TAKE TO THE STREETS BAYING FOR BLOOD AND YOUR HEAD ON A SPIKE!

  • Dia

    How come they’re never from the EEF?

    • Ninja

      EFF advocates freedom. The Governments want control. Makes sense ;))

  • Hmm

    hmm make that photo bigger and throw darts at it

  • JJBiener

    I have been posting to online forums for over 15 years on a wide variety of controversial and contentious subjects. I have expressed many unpopular opinions and engaged in extremely heated debates. In all that time, no one has ever threatened to out my personal information to silence me. So congratulations, you have reached an all-time low.

    I have debated hot-button issues like abortion, creationism v. evolution, global warming, and issues of life and death. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would be threatened during a discussion of copyright law.

    I have always enjoyed an informed debate, but this isn’t an informed debate. It is a bunch of two-year-olds fighting in a sandbox. So enjoy your little circle jerk, I am off to greener pastures.

    • Anonymous

      You could have chosen to use Anonmity but you did not. All details you made publically available and were only copied here. It was also a little naive of you to troll and annoy people without believing that they would fight back.

      So three things you were responsible for and one hotdog did. To make this clear then anyone that annoyed with you can find your details themselves.

      You have little reason to be concerned though when we deal with much bigger fish than a passing troll. You can ask Andrew Crossley of ACS:Law about that one when his former shady business was ripped apart right here.

      Even Maria Martin-Prat is much more a target but let us see what she does first.

      While we wait look up the activist group named Anonymous. They are never far away and they act while we discuss.

    • Ninja

      Well, you are playing with fire so obviously you get burnt. I know I might get burnt someday but I’m cool with it, I’m expressing my opinions here and trying to get engaged in such matters while steering my own like, personal and professional, as nicely and smoothly as I can abiding to my principles.

      If you got burnt while fighting fro your ideals it’s cool.

      But your case is kind of emblematic. From your posts you sound like a copyright zealot which refuses to see the other side and acknowledge that equilibrium is needed. And the people who might threaten you in any way are the exact opposite in some sort of “file sharing” fundamentalism. Neither is healthy, neither is gonna prevail in the future.

      If I were you I’d take my time to analyze why such animosity was attracted against you. Take your time to carefully read your own comments and check if there isn’t the fundamentalism you are criticizing now. Fundamentalism leads to hate which lead to threats and ultimately shameful actions such as ppl killing and even blowing themselves for a cause that is distorted behind ideals that could otherwise contribute to the issue if taken with moderation and accepting the middle ground.

      Ultimately, I hope you are sensible enough to understand that the ones that threatened you are not representatives of all the pro-P2P community and that most wouldn’t condone such actions despite any comments suggesting the contrary (ie: when I say die MAFIAA I don’t mean real death for their employees as much as wishing Tim Kuik died doesn’t mean I want the old man to die for real but rather to go away and leave ppl alone).

      Can you be that sensible?

    • Trespass

      Ding, Dong,…….

  • hotdog

    JJ you expect us to be all nice to you have sympathy.But when you insult others not knowing if they are from your country your same background ,etc. Nor if we might be 20-30 years younger then you.But then want sympathy sorry but NO you know i coulda given more info out but i didn’t i just made you realize the internet is too big ,No matter how proud you may feel or how strong you think you’re better.
    Not all of us may be lucky living poor broke or having bad government far worse then we do in the us.
    Never have I ever taken it to the extreme to randomly insult people nor offend people as much as you have disrespectfully shown.We are people we all live on this same earth yet you and your big-headed friends in riaa and mpaa etc need to realise this.
    So, I say this great riddance we won’t miss you and don’t let the door hit you in the freaking head.
    Now back to torrentfreak pats-self on back great job.To bad it was my post removed but known of his removed.But, I honour and respect torrentfreak for their hard work and effort dedication to keep us informed and say sorry to Ernesto and Engimax for posting.It was at the moment thing.
    HAVE AN AWESOME WEEKEND LADIES AND GENTS. ;)

    • hotdog

      LOL DAMN I “MEANT NONE OF HIS REMOVED” JEBUS!!

  • now@yIgivemyema.il

    Two days ago “The Sunday Times” revealed something hugely disturbing.
    Two of their journalists went to 60 eurodeputies from all parties and pretended to be lobbyists wanting a law passed.
    14 of the deputies agreed to write the amendments for money (depending on the deputy, between 12000 and 100000€).
    The journalists caught the conversations with a candid camera.
    We could also learn that, for instance, a conservative eurodeputy from Austria’s profession was… lobbyist.

    Today there are 5000 accredited lobbyists in Bruxelles, and they are free to visit any deputy, and are completely free to drift in the parliament.
    The visits are not even logged, so the public can’t know who’s working with (for?) whom.

    Let’s add to that, that many people from the european commission have strong bounds with the USA. (at least 8 european commissionners come from positions held in the USA, in private companies, and studied in universities tied to the us secret services like Georgetown).

    Let’s face facts : Europe, a dictatorship ? It’s just a banana republic, sold to (often overseas) business interests.
    And the People ? Well they pay for this. In both meanings.

  • Pingback: Lobbista de la industria musical nombrada líder de copyright de la Comisión Europea

  • Predator

    “Music Industry Lobbyist Becomes Europe’s Copyright Boss”

    This is for those whose still doubt that corporations have taken over our governments and that democracy is dead.

    Time to fetch our guns guys.

  • http://twitter.com/stmkadono ???
  • BTGuard - BitTorrent Anonymously

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