Excuse Me?

What's wrong with this picture:

 Agents shut down a popular Web site that allegedly had been distributing copyrighted music and movies, including versions of "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith." Homeland Security agents from several divisions served search warrants on 10 people around the country suspected of being involved with the Elite Torrents site, and took over the group's main server.

Forget about the movie. Why are DHS agents are enforcing copyright law? Aren't they supposed to protect us from terrorists? I would think this type of thing would be handled by the FBI.

Comments

perhaps this could use a different perspective: DHS' bust of copyright infringers (is that even a word?) may very well represent a dissolving of the bureaucratic walls seperating institutions that was in part responsible for U.S. intelligence's failure to prevent terrorist strikes like the U.S.S. Cole or 9/11. far be it from me to declare that illegal 'Sith' downloaders are plotting a full-scale assault on American economic infrastructure - but then again, the flick represents a hefty portion of current cinematic economy, what with its $271 mln draw in 10 days. perhaps next will be PG county police preventing the next major terrorist attack, by of course shooting suspects in the back.

[Nick]

If "assaults on American economic infrastructure" now fall under the heading of "terrorism", then why not use DHS to target corporate fraud? The collapse of Enron did far more to undermine this country's economy than Napster ever could have, so how about having DHS agents conduct raids of proxy votes and BoD meetings? We don't do that, do we?

You also point out that, in spite of the file swapping, 'Sith' still brought in >$270 million in 10 days, so where is the economic harm??

This is a specious rebuttal at best. DHS should use its resources to target violent terrorism or else have its budget cut in favor of other agencies. Enforcement of copyright law has its place, but I think it would be horrible thing indeed if Americans started equating file-swapping with terrorism.