The DMCA has a chilling effect on computer science research.

[Jeff Buckley <jehobu@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

A Boston judge recently dismissed a challenge to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.  A Harvard student wants to be able to study a pornography blocking software, but he might face retribution from the company that manufactures it if he does.  The DMCA has a chilling effect on computer science research.  See http://news.com.com/2100-1025-996245.html.

Lofgren's BALANCE Act of 2003, HR 1066, http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d108:h.r.01066:, may be a step toward protecting such research, but the act distinguishes computer programs from literary works.  It has wide support, http://www.house.gov/lofgren/news/2002/supportbalance2003.htm.

Jeff Buckley
MLIS Candidate
UW Information School