US legislators move to make P2P a crime

WIRED MAGAZINE reported at the end of last week that politicians in America are preparing bills which will allow prosecutors to jail people sharing files using a lower burden of proof.

The so-called proposed "Pirate Act" is sponsored by Orrin Hatch and Patrick Leahy, each of which has received over $150,000 and $178,000 respectively in political contributions from the entertainment industry in the US.

The proposed legislation, said Wired, is because the politicians believe there is a conspiracy which would result in piracy and pornography becoming "the cornerstones of a business model".

A draft amendment is also being considered, sponsored by Lamar Smith, claimed Wired, which would beef up existing legislation. Smith, the magazine claims, has trousered $25,000 in political contribution fees from the entertainment industry.

If passed into law, those sharing 2,500+ content could face jail or fines, penalties that would apply to pre-release distribution of music or films.

You can find Wired, here. µ