[Platapus]

I would not be concered with the wording of "attempted piracy". It is a legal consideration trying to plug up a loophole where proving actual infringement on the copyright's owner drags down and complicates a case.

Just copying someone's work in itself is not infringement. An additional action must be taken that actually (under the judicial rules) infringes on a right. So, while it may seem silly, finding a basement filled with thousands of copies of a piece of software is not infringement until the government proves the intent to distribute it. It is a legal technicality but one that can complicate a case. What this law would address is that if you have 1000 copies of a piece of software that you burned, it can be presumed that you had the intent to infringe.

What I would be more concerend about is the justification of increased wiretapping of American citizens who the government may think may be attempting to infringe on a copyright. I guess if they can't get past FISA they can always claim that you may be "attempting" to infringe on a copyright as justification for wiretapping.

You have to hand it to slicky Alberto, he just won't give up.

However the good news is that instead of concentrating on boring terrorists, the clearly overfunded and underworked DHS will be focusing their efforts on catching that international threat to humanity -- the 15 year old girl ripping CDs for her friends.

I am glad we have our priorities straight. While copyright infringement is a serious concern, and should be investigated, I don't think DHS and the government really need to wiretap citizens.