P2P.net has a wonderful interview with my EFF coworker Fred von Lohmann (who's not only incredibly sharp but also generous-spirited, funny, and gracious -- a pleasure to work with, a privilege to know). The interview is far better than the usual soundbites for understanding why Fred became Fred -- that is, a relentless, passionate defender of the public's rights in the networked world.

Apropos of our coverage of the Patricia Santangelo case, here's Fred on the RIAA's litigation campaign against allegedly infringing filesharers -- and their parents :

p2pnet: Is it acceptable to make parents responsible in a financial or other sense for something their children may, or may not, have done?

von Lohmann: The increasing number of lawsuits against the parents and grandparents of alleged file-sharers is a particularly unfortunate part of the recording industry's litigation campaign against music fans. There is no precedent in copyright law for holding parent responsible for the infringing activities of their minor children. If the question ever went to court, I believe the RIAA would lose. Unfortunately, the RIAA has made it clear that, if a parent fights the lawsuit, they will simply sue the child directly.

Most parents are unwilling to expose their kids to that kind of ordeal, so they settle.