The DMCA has a chilling effect on computer science research.

["Olga Francois" <ofrancois@xxxxxxxx>]

FYI...

-------- Original Message --------
Date:    Thu, 10 Apr 2003 13:26:22 -0700
From:    Jeff Buckley <jehobu@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: The DMCA has a chilling effect on computer science research.

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