Once upon a time (i.e. before August 2007) Google video would let you purchase videos supposedly for ever, however now Google says “After August 15, 2007, you will no longer be able to view your purchased or rented videos”.

Opps.  So much for forever, Ars Technica has this to say:

Needless to say, this could happen with any player. Google could float its store if it wanted to, but it is exiting the business. What happens when Amazon does the same? Or Apple, or the next guy?

If this isn’t further proof that parts of the DMCA should be gutted, at the very least it is a strong sign that the Library of Congress needs to address this issue. Congress should be thinking about this brave new world of “unproperty” where you’re charged good money to “buy” products that, in reality, you’re only renting until AverageCorp gets bored of the business.

Meanwhile the RIAA is demanding that Copyright infringement be treated with the severity it (supposedly) deserves, one greater than Bank robbery.  Once again, Ars Technica says:

Cotton and his Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy are seeking to change federal law enforcement emphasis so that intellectual property crimes are given priority over other kinds of crime… a realignment, to play off Cotton’s statement. Battling organized crime is hardly objectionable, and we hope the coalition sees success in taking down the profiteers of piracy. Offending the public with yet more lies and hyperbole isn’t going to curry much favor, however.

So you won’t be able to read or view your electronic documents after a service is shut down, and if you do figure out a way around DRM, the RIAA with it’s storm troopers want you to be treated worse than a Bank robber.

How’s that freedom treating you today?

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