] Congress advanced or passed several bills this week that
] would increase penalties for infringing copyright, and
] outlaw devices and software that could be used to
] illegally copy and distribute content. The legislation
] would also protect computer users from identity theft and
] the spread of spyware.
]
] The Senate introduced the Induce Act, which critics say
] would ban file-sharing networks and stymie the
] introduction of any technology that could be used to copy
] and distribute copyright work. In addition, the Senate
] passed the Pirate Act, which would make it easier for the
] feds to go after file swappers. And on Friday, it passed
] a bill that would throw anyone caught videotaping a movie
] in theater into prison for up to three to 10 years.

What?
3 to 10. For videotaping a movie.
3. To. 10.
THE AVERAGE SENTENCE FOR A RAPIST IS 8 YEARS. Have we gone a little bonkers here, people?

Later in the article, talking about the Induce Act, it states "Schultz said the bill is so broad it would squash rights and legal precedents that allow people to own copying devices, even if they could be used for illegal purposes." So get rid of your CD-R drives, people. You're criminals. Or your CD-ROMs, even. And your photocopiers. And your VCR's. And...

Wired News: Congress Looks Out for Hollywood