Japan to criminalize DVD ripping and breaking DRM even for personal use

Re:Japan to criminalize DVD ripping and breaking DRM even fo... by yason on Saturday December 04, 2010 @04:34AM (#1968926)

I never really get laws that have no penalties. The lack of penalties merely reduces to a disagreement, and a disagreement as such doesn't equal any substance in a society. With criminal penalties a law would raise the stakes for everyone, including the law makers.

(Of course, the DVD/DRM case is probably about making it illegal first, much easier that way, and adding the penalties later, also much easier that way, in that "hey, this is already illegal!")

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Japan to criminalize DVD ripping and breaking DRM even fo... by patio11 on Saturday December 04, 2010 @10:04AM (#1969322)

Japan, like many other countries including the United States, makes a distinction between criminal and civil infractions. If you suspect someone is violating your reproduction rights, Japan will allow you the use of the court system to enforce those rights, but will not use physical force on your behalf to compel compliance from the other party.

[ Parent | on HN ]