Identity Matters
The University of Oregon is refusing to cave into the RIAA on a file sharing suit against 17 of its students. The RIAA responds indignantly to the defense mounted by Hardy Myers, Oregon’s Attorney General. It seems obvious that there is an identity issue here , forgetting for a moment about whether the current political mood does in fact support broad extension of policing powers.
Imagine a time when we no longer talk about digital media, and I believe that time is not far away. When the current DRM battle is solved, all media will be bought online. This means that not only will your your surfing habits become a matter of public record. How will we like it when the RIAA (and anyone else) can look at our library of music, films and books? Profiling abuses and the thought police loom large.
The industry MUST acknowledge the need for pseudo-anonymous identity in these matters. It cuts both ways.