The question is whether the consumers (apart from USA) would accept such a computer system. Please remember that most of the hardware parts are manufactured by non-US companies at facilities located outside USA. They will definately ensure that there will be non TCPA hardware available.
I also suspect that companies like Microsoft will not allow such a law to be passed if there is any chance of loosing out on lucrative and fast growing markets in Asian countries. In alternate they will use subsidiaries or some other means to provide alternate non TCPA software.
Some time ago Intel came up with an idea of hardware security in some of its chips but the consumer backlash was so swift and heavy that they backed away immediately. The markets in USA are now saturated and american companies need Asian markets to grow and make more profits.
In any case, if TCPA is introduced, more people will switch to FLOSS and run it on non-TCPA hardware (I hope)
Regards Saswata
----- Original Message ----- From: "Clinton Goveas" clinton@clintongoveas.com To: "'GNU/Linux Users Group, Mumbai, India'" linuxers@mm.ilug-bom.org.in Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2003 5:35 PM Subject: [ILUG-BOM] TCPA: Does it not concern us?
Hey Linuxers!
There is an ongoing debate in the cyber community on the TCPA. Originally billed as an anti-piracy tactic, there is, however, apprehension that the TCPA if implemented in computer architecture could undermine the user's right to choose the software they wish to use. This undoubtedly affects FLOSS.
For those interested in more information on this topic, follow this link: http://www.againsttcpa.com/what-is-tcpa.html
Do we do anything about this?
Best wishes,
Clinton Goveas http://www.clintongoveas.com
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