linux.conf.au 2008

I think Kimberlee Weatherall's attitude is a little unconstructively defeatist.  We've had
major victories with regard to DRM, and especially with regard to software patents.  We
STOPPED the implementation of the Software Patent Directive in the EU, and she says we LOST?
WTF?

As far as the European Union granting software patents, well, yes, they do, but those patents
get overturned by the courts.  That was what the Software Patent Directive was intended to
stop from happening, and stopping that directive from passing was our victory.  We have to be
on guard against any future attempts in the EU to implement software patents.

With regard to DRM and the DMCA anticircumvention procedures, we've had victories there, too.
Microsoft was forced to drop its suit against Viodentia because M$ couldn't find Viodentia to
serve him; that's a victory, and we have the anonymity of the Internet to thank for it.
Fighting for the right to anonymous speech is fighting to make the DMCA toothless, and we have
to continue that fight.