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S. 968 PROTECT IP Act (PIPA)

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ratty redemption [RIP]:
interesting and according to that page you mentioned that tracks the progress of these bills, if i understand it correctly, it's roughly half way through the process of being passed? is there any indication how long the remaining stages could take?

also what's that infra red tech apple are going to use?

edit: i forgot to mention, when i post on these updated forums i'm usually then redirected to the forum sub section rather the last post in a topic, is that a bug or a feature because i preferred the old style of seeing what i've just posted.

kat:
The Bills timing is going to be dependant on how hard the lobbyist push it. Typically things like that can take a good few months.

The Apple Patent is this - United States Patent Application 20110128384.
--- Quote ---Systems and methods for receiving infrared data with a camera designed to detect images based on visible light are provided. A system can include a camera and image processing circuitry electrically coupled to the camera. The image processing circuitry can determine whether each image detected by the camera includes an infrared signal with encoded data. If the image processing circuitry determines that an image includes an infrared signal with encoded data, the circuitry may route at least a portion of the image (e.g., the infrared signal) to circuitry operative to decode the encoded data. If the image processing circuitry determines that an image does not include an infrared signal with encoded data, the circuitry may route the image to a display or storage. Images routed to the display or storage can then be used as individual pictures or frames in a video because those images do not include any effects of infrared light communications.
--- End quote ---
Basically it's a technology that allows Apples hardware to receive infrared signals that can then be used to do a number of things. The IR stream is basically a 'trigger' that activates overlays, GUI stuff, but it can also be used to completely disable a device and prevent it from recording. The initial purpose behind it appears to be a type of DRM that will prevent people recording concerts and other 'copyright' material.

The Microsoft Patent is this - United States Patent Application 20110153809
--- Quote ---Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to silently recording communications. In aspects, data associated with a request to establish a communication is modified to cause the communication to be established via a path that includes a recording agent. Modification may include, for example, adding, changing, and/or deleting data within the data. The data as modified is then passed to a protocol entity that uses the data to establish a communication session. Because of the way in which the data has been modified, the protocol entity selects a path that includes the recording agent. The recording agent is then able to silently record the communication
--- End quote ---
The MS Patent is basically a mechanism that allows them to 'silently' record VoIP conversations. Note that "silent" in this context means "without consent" or "without any parties knowing it's happening".

Re: the forum question. I don't know why it does that so I'll look into it (because it annoys me too).

ratty redemption [RIP]:
thanks kat and the techs there are impressive, just a shame their going to be used for draconian restrictions.

kat:
From PC Pro

--- Quote from: PCPro ---BT has been given two weeks to block illegal file-sharing site Newzbin, after a judge ruled in July that the ISP must take action. It's the first time a British ISP has been ordered to block a site for copyright infringement, and expected to set a precedent for how websites hosting illegal content are dealt with by courts in the future.
--- End quote ---

It's interesting that Rights Holders have argued the case that they can force a service provider to do this, thus indirectly going after the infringing party. It sets a nasty precedent that rather than go after specific sites, and prosecute within the realms of the Law, they'll just get a self-justified 'court order' to force ISP's to block them - not sure who's arguing the case that a given site is 'innocent' in that scenario.

kat:
House Of Representative introduced their version of the "Protect IP ACT" titled "Stop Online Piracy Act" (PDF). Not read the full text yet but the highlighted section below from the Judiciary Committee press release pretty much implies the authorities can go after 'sites' outside local jurisdictions and due-process. If the bill continues the theme from the Senate draft, 'sites' would also be prosecuted 'in absentia' (in the absence of the owner charged with the crime).


--- Quote from: House Judiciary Committee ---Washington, D.C. – A bipartisan group in the House today introduced legislation that expands protections for America’s intellectual property (IP) and combats the illegal distribution of counterfeit goods via rogue websites.  The Stop Online Piracy Act (H.R. 3261) allows the Attorney General to seek injunctions against foreign websites that steal and sell American innovations and products.  The bill increases criminal penalties for individuals who traffic in counterfeit medicine and military goods, which put innocent civilians and American soldiers at risk. And it improves coordination between IP enforcement agencies in the U.S.
--- End quote ---

Additional References:

* H.R. 3261 - Stop Online Piracy Act: "To promote prosperity, creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation by combating the theft of U.S. property, and for other purposes". [PDF]
* House Judiciary Committee: Bipartisan Bill Combats Online Piracy

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