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The AP says:
MySpace.com will use "audio fingerprinting" technology to block users from uploading copyright music to the social networking site, the company said.
MySpace, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp., said Monday it will review all music files uploaded by community members to their online profiles. The files will be run through a music database from Gracenote Inc.
"MySpace is staunchly committed to protecting artists' rights, whether those artists are on major labels or are independent acts," said Chris DeWolfe, MySpace chief executive and co-founder.
The company said users who repeatedly attempt to upload copyright music files will be permanently barred from the site. This is not a surprise, since MySpace is part of a media empire that has huge investments in IP. It is also a good thing, since without the capacity to protect IP those investments cannot continue.
More to the point -- a point seldom adverted to by the copyleft -- simple, cheap enforcement of IP rights is essential for small creators. If the only way to enforce IP rights is via expensive litigation, then all IP must be owned by the Murdochs of the world, who can hire lawyers by the ton. So they will pay small creators a pittance, take the IP, and reap the benefits. (As will the lawyers, of course.)
If enforcement is via computer program, so the cost can be spread across millions of creations, and if it is accessible to all creators, then the creators get whatever market power the popularity of their creations earns them.
Rupert Murdoch -- Champion of the little guy! Instrument of democracy! I like the concept -- maybe I can sell it to TV, with Brad Pitt as the star, after his rumored turn as John Galt.
posted by James DeLong @ 7:07 AM | DRM & Watermarks, etc.
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