[Rumori] Quasi-legal RIAA squads crack down on street vendors

[Virago]

>> I do make the assumption this is tax dollars here, as per my 
>> understanding the RIAA is a federally funded operation.
>
> i thought the RIAA was funded by the the major labels.

The RIAA does receive federal dollars, and state funding as well.  The Rural Internet Access Authority, that is.  After a relatively brief Googling, I didn't come across any sign that the eviler of the RIAAs actually gets any government money (though I'm willing to believe it)... they did, however, ask for some in 2002, though it wasn't strictly speaking for themselves.

(from http://slashdot.org/articles/02/04/26/1236245.shtml?tid=99)  "RIAA has given testimony before the House Appropriations Committee asking for more federal money for Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property investigation teams.  Apparently, RIAA is not satisfied with the current deployment of CHIP teams since they have been more involved in anti-hacking activities than in anti-piracy."  (see the full Slashdot entry for lots of CHiPs jokes)

Connie

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