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For anyone out there who has illegally downloaded music or movies, you may want to pay attention to this.

The leaders of the G8, meeting this week, are seemingly ready to ratify an agreement that would allow customs agents to search your mobile devices (computer, phone, iPod, etc.) for illegally downloaded media content.

The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (Acta) is considered a step toward stopping piracy, but the logistics of implementing a discretionary system for carrying out the agreement are mind boggling. Consider this: Half of the songs on the average teen's iPod are illegally downloaded.

The biggest concern is that people who have downloaded media for personal use will be at risk of punishment, though no one knows exactly what the punishment would be. It has been reported however, that the European Parliament has suggested kicking offenders off the Internet.

The scenario most likely to materialize is that only those with massive amounts of MP3 or movie content would be at risk. Whatever way the G8 rules, one has to wonder what difference it will make.

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Take that, thieves.

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Invasion of privacy, thats like raiding someones computer without a warrent, it wont happen.

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Do you know what Custom's officers are capable of? They don't need warrants. They don't have consequences. They get free reign.

Basically, with them, you have no rights.

FP

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I think we are in rats' alley
Where the dead men lost their bones.

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Eh, I don't fly much.  Only once ever actually.

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This also applies to crossing the border by land, or by sea.

FP

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I think we are in rats' alley
Where the dead men lost their bones.

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Quote: from 420Mike at 7:14 pm on July 25, 2008

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Eh, I don't fly much.  Only once ever actually.

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This also applies to crossing the border by land, or by sea.  

FP

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I've left Michigan 5 times in my 19 years of life.  Whatev.

*But that aside this is still completely ridiculous and a major infringement of our freedoms.  I highly doubt this will go into effect.

Post edited at 6:20 pm on July 25, 2008 by 420Mike

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Erowid Get Educated!

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Quote: from FurryPanther at 9:14 pm on July 25, 2008

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Quote: from 420Mike at 7:14 pm on July 25, 2008

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Eh, I don't fly much.  Only once ever actually.

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 This also applies to crossing the border by land, or by sea.  

 FP

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I've left Michigan 5 times in my 19 years of life.  Whatev.

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One day, it'll become and issue.

FP

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I think we are in rats' alley
Where the dead men lost their bones.