Bush Enacts Controversial Pro IP Anti Privacy Law

U.S. President George W. Bush signed into law on October 13, 2008, a controversial bill which aims to increase the protection of intellectual property. It increases criminal law penalties for piracy and counterfeiting. It also creates a new role of national "intellectual property czar" who will report directly to the president on how to better protect intellectual property rights. Industry groups, such as the Recording Industry Association of America, Motion Picture Association of America, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are supporters of this bill. However, public advocacy groups have opposed the bill, stating that its penalties are too harsh and it hinders the fair use of copyrighted material.

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Volume VI

Bush Enacts Controversial Pro IP Anti Privacy Law