Hatch On Illegal Music Traders: 'Destroy Their Computers'
Critics Say Hatch's Plan Would Violate Anti-Hacking Laws
POSTED: 8:14 p.m. EDT June 17, 2003
UPDATED: 8:22 p.m. EDT June 17, 2003
A powerful U.S. senator says he favors an online seek-and-destroy assault on computers that contain music illegally downloaded from the Internet.
The surprise remarks came from Utah Republican Orrin Hatch, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The comments show the escalating frustration of lawmakers and industry executives opposed to illegal music and movie downloads.
Hatch asked during a hearing on copyright whether technology could damage computers involved in illegal music and movie file exchanges.
Legal experts have said such attacks would violate federal anti-hacking laws.
Hatch is a composer who earned $18,000 last year in songwriting royalties. His songbook includes several religious hymns and the toe-tapping soft-rock anthem, "America Rocks." He favors technology that would twice warn a computer user about illegal online behavior, then -- in his words -- "destroy their computer."
Some legal experts suggest Hatch's provocative remarks were more likely intended to spur action on protecting copyright than to signal forthcoming legislation.
Copyright 2003 by Local6.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
