The Sixth US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that computer programs used to scramble electronic messages are protected by the First Amendment because those codes are a means of communications among programmers. The finding came from a lawsuit filed by Cleveland law professor Peter Junger that claimed that the government violated his free-speech rights by requiring licenses to export programs that scramble electronic messages. Eisner says Disney will oppose an effort in Washington to let Web sites use anyone's content after paying a government-set fee. These Internet pirates try to hide behind some contrived New Age arguments of the Internet. But all they are really doing is trying to make a case for age-old thievery. . . .
Theft is theft, whether it is enabled by a handgun or a computer keyboard.
The entertainment giant also plans to work with other nations to fight piracy, explain its position to consumers and support encryption initiatives. Disney will also try to undercut pirates by selling its entertainment products on the Web. Looking to find new ways to take advantage of the loyal following attracted by television soap operas, Primedia and Sony Pictures have reached agreement on a joint venture to create a new online site for soap fans. Sony and Primedia anticipate significant e-commerce opportunities related to the soaps.