RIAA Wants to Raid CD-Pirating Plants Without Warrants

Apparently the U.S. Constitution no longer applies when it comes to battling music and movie piracy. The Recording Industry Association of America and the Motion Picture Association of America are supporting a proposed measure in California that would allow law enforcement to enter optical-disc plans and seize pirated materials as well as disc-stamping equipment without a court warrant. The legislation, which has already been passed by two state Senate committees, is up for a vote in another Senate committee next week.

Pushing the questionable legislation is State Senator Alex Padilla, a Los Angeles-area Democrat. In a statement, Padilla says that he is pursuing the law because

“The crime of illegal mass reproduction of music and movies is a serious problem. Last year alone, more than 820,000 illegal discs were seized by law enforcement authorities in California,“fraudulent CDs and DVDs undermine our economy and California’s role as a global leader in music and film. They steal revenue from artists, retailers, and our entertainment sector.”

RS

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