PATRIOT Abuse Isn't Science Fiction

Just in case there was any doubt left about whether the so-called USA PATRIOT Act would be used far beyond the advertised goal of fighting terrorism, here's the latest example to come to light.

The operator of SG1Archive.com (a fan site dedicated to the sci-fi TV series Stargate SG-1) has been charged with "criminal copyright infringement and trafficking in counterfeit services". He may or may not be guilty. Let's assume for the sake of argument that he's guilty as hell, and has been operating a large scale business pirating Stargate programs. Let's assume that MGM (the show's producers) are just doing what their stockholders would demand by asking the FBI to go after him. And let's set aside the question of whether copyright law treats folks like him (fans who feel they're helping to promote the show) fairly, since that's not the critical point here.

Now let's look at how the government went after him. The search warrant used to raid his apartment cited his international network of fellow fans as evidence of a vast conspiracy. The FBI wrecked some of the equipment they seized, either through malice or incompetence. And the kicker is that they used a provision of the USA PATRIOT Act to obtain financial information about the accused from his internet service provider. For that record, that's the "Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism" Act.

Maybe if this guy had been involved in terrorism, or some other criminal activity that posed a danger to people, this violation of his privacy would be justified. I'm not opposed to giving the police the tools to do their job. But for giving away copyrighted stuff from a TV show without permission? That's ridiculous. And one more reason for the prompt repeal of the USA PATRIOT Act and removal from office of those who wrote it and voted for it.