The RIAA do act like dicks a lot, but they don't want the Internet shut down. This is just a lawyer trying his case in the media (which is an effective tactic).
LOL! I appreciate where the RIAA is coming from, but they've been going overboard and taking the wrong routes for a long time.
Okay, so someone tell me: whose finger is on the switch to shut the whole thing down? The internet is like FIRE; it cannot be contained or restrained.
Not that it could happen, but imagine if the internet was 'shut down'. I wonder how much the world would change?
Haha, too true. They can keep day-dreaming instead of actually planning and executing logical and ethical routes, if that's something that gives them kicks. Definitely have to agree with CaptainB here. Just a lawyer trying to achieve some publicity for himself (and look at how well its worked).
The Internet could easily be shut down, all it takes is ICANN removing the root files. I also predict that the US government will continue to maintain control of ICANN or at least the root files, so it continues to hold it's "information warfare" arsenal. Imagine, at any point in time, they could turn off the internet to an entire country, effectively putting a large dent in their economy and communications. People assume the Internet is an autonymous system, but for the most part, it is centrally run... ICANN released a statement about something they were planning to implement (i really forget what it was), but they even stated that if they messed it up, it could cause severe problems worldwide. I just think its an interesting topic, because few people really think about the implications.
Many people will be cheesed of including me as we would have put alot of work into something for nothing.