Comment by gurkendoktor
13 years ago
I doubt it. Germans started getting sued for illegal downloads right when DSL grew popular (a decade ago), without any political response. We also have no software patents; we can still (CMIIW) freely share copyrighted works with friends, just not with the public; we can crack what wouldn't otherwise run.
The only part that is so terrible and draconic that everybody knows about it is the GEMA, which is concerned with music and loyalties.
This is not completely true. You can share copyrighted materials but you are not allowed to bypass or crack any security measures to do so. Also, the information on cracking a protection system, like ripping a DVD or an LP, may not be discussed publicly. Tutorials on these topics are illegal. The same is true for software products that would allow network intrusions. Wireshark is illegal, as well.
That is all true. I probably live too deep within my bubble of DRM-free media :)
Yeah, and now the GEMA want Kindergardens to pay fees for singing child songs that are in the portfolio of the GEMA. ridiculous!