Piracy Deterrence and Education Act passes; whatever you do, don't bring a video camera to the movies

Apparently, it's illegal to use video cameras to record movies in movie theaters.  We had no idea, and watching movies recorded on screens featuring the back of some dude's head is such a great viewing experience! The fun must all end now, though, as a bill passed by the House on Tuesday has made the Seinfeldian act illegal. While that's no surprise, the bill contains some hidden little goodies that are more worrisome. For instance, the bill offers copyright protections for video playback technologies that helps parents prevent their children from seeing scenes depicting sex, violence or foul language.  We can't wait to see a Tarantino flick with that technology turned on.  It would last – what – ten minutes?  "No,
really, Billy.  The movie is about hamburgers and dancing and a glowing briefcase.  It's a short film."

Recommended