Senate Bill May Ban Streaming MP3s
Found on Slashdot on Wednesday, 26 April 2006
According to the EFF, a new Senate bill (S. 2644) sponsored by Senators Feinstein (D-CA) and Graham (R-SC) would effectively ban streaming MP3 for licensed music by requireing 'casters to use the most restrictive streaming format available (e.g., Windows Media or Real) rather than simply the most restrictive features of a chosen streaming format (e.g., Shoutcast or streaming MP3).
The PERFORM Act would ... requir[e] webcasters to use DRM that restricts the recording of webcasts. That means no more MP3 streams if you rely on the statutory license.
You still can record everything that goes through your audio card; well, unless the next law will make it illegal to own hardware that doesn't support DRM in every aspect. Then, you're left with the analog hole (what still works perfectly).