Has RIAA Fired MediaSentry? 76
NewYorkCountryLawyer writes "According to a tantalizing 'unconfirmed' report, it appears that the RIAA has jettisoned MediaSentry (now known as SafeNet) as its 'investigator.' MediaSentry has come under heat in a number of different states for the fact that it was 'investigating' without an investigator's license and invading people's privacy. Earlier this year it was found to have made diametrically conflicting written statements to two different tribunals within 30 days of each other, in one denying that it was an 'expert witness,' in another claiming that it was an 'expert witness.' If the report is accurate, the termination comes at an interesting time, since MediaSentry's investigator is the plaintiffs' only fact witness to prove copyright infringement in Capitol Records v. Thomas, which is now headed for a retrial on March 9th. If he does take the stand, the reasons for his company's termination will be fair game for cross examination. One also has to wonder if it's in any way connected to the puzzling enigma of the New York Attorney General's alleged involvement in the RIAA's recent Wall Street Journal announcement that it would be reducing its p2p file sharing cases to a trickle."
Re:So... (Score:3, Informative)
That's what it seems, yes. This move totally fits in with everything else, including the ISP enforcement stuff.
This is interesting, though, because I think it means they've found a way to force (or at least entice) ISPs to comply with their demands.
Too early to get happy about it (Score:5, Informative)
For two reasons.
Reason the first, it's an unconfirmed report. Could be as valid as a release date for Duke Nukem Forever.
Reason the second. The RIAA isn't going to give up. If they are ditching MediaSentry that just means they have some other idea that they think will net them better results. What replaces it might be worse. So celebrating at this point would be a lot like the people of Hiroshima in WWII rejoicing that the US has stated they have halted their conventional bombing campaign.
The good news is that maybe the "better idea" referenced above is the RIAA is shifting focus to cooperation with ISPs. Granted, it's another doomed idea but at least this way they won't be sending subpoenas to printers and deaf grandmothers. Hopefully.
Another good thing that may come of it is maybe someone will finally bring suit against MediaSentry for privacy violation and investigating without a license. If the RIAA cuts them loose they won't have the financial backing necessary to defend. And if we're really lucky, they'll get nailed for it. And if we're really really lucky, their employer will be found liable as well. Just because you cut ties with someone doesn't mean that your legal responsibilities are cut as well. IANAL though, so take that with a grain of salt.
Still though it's an interesting development and one I hope turns out to be true.
Re:Highway Patrol (Score:1, Informative)
Actually the CHP and other State Police types do a lot more than just hand out traffic tickets. Anyone who thinks otherwise really just does not know what they are talking about. Even spending 5 minutes on Wikipedia will show you just how busy some can be.
I know in WA the state police rarely pull people over unless there is a APB out on the car or the guy is doing like 80 in a 50. I will admit, that for a few days every month during the 3 months of sunshine we get there will be a Trooper with a radar gun on the highway. But that's really the extent of it.
Re:Wall Street Journal obtains confirmation (Score:3, Informative)