Michael Jackson Stands Up Against Anti-P2P Bill, Cites iTMS

Michael Jackson (yes, that Michael Jackson) doesnit like the "Authors, Consumer and Computer Owners Protection and Security" (ACCOPS) Act one bit, saying that he is "speechless about the idea of putting music fans in jail for downloading music." He goes on to say that new opportunities such as the iTunes Music Store should be looked to instead of new punitive laws. From the press release:

Michael Jackson expressed concern over the "Authors, Consumer and Computer Owners Protection and Security Act of 2003 (ACCOPS Act) as introduced in the House of Representatives. The legislation, if passed, would make it a federal felony to download even one single copyrighted work, which includes music.

Jackson said, "I am speechless about the idea of putting music fans in jail for downloading music. It is wrong to illegally download, but the answer cannot be jail."

Jackson called on artists, the music industry and consumers to find a solution together. Jackson said, "Here in America we create new opportunities out of adversity, not punitive laws and we should look to new technologies, like Appleis new Music Store for solutions. This way innovation continues to be the hallmark of America. It is the fans that drive the success of the music business; I wish this would not be forgotten."

You can read the press release, or read more information about ACCOPS, Mr. Jacksonis statement, the iTMS and competing services in a related article at BBC News.