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Well the EFF isn't pulling any punches with this press release. Particularly interesting are: "It [the subpoena] also appeared to be served in retaliation for

Well the EFF isn't pulling any punches with this press release. Particularly interesting are: "It [the subpoena] also appeared to be served in retaliation for Google’s refusal to comply with the Attorney General’s prior demands..." and "Later documents suggest that the MPAA and Attorney General Hood were working together to plan an anti-Google smear campaign." I quickly read the amicus brief and they do not make any such allegations (that I could tell) in the brief. While unsavory, if they allegations are true, would this indicate unlawful behaviour on the part the the attorney general? Similarly, would the attorney general have a case for libel if the allegations are untrue? I assume that if the EFF had enough information to show collusion that they would include it in the amicus brief, but perhaps I'm wrong.

qopp 11y ago
In the US, for public figures at least, to prove a libel charge you have to prove that the individual knew the claim was false. EFF can make any claim they want as long as they're not aware its specifically untrue. See: New York Times Co. v. Sullivan
guelo 11y ago
I don't know Mississippi but in general attorney generals have very little accountability besides elections. And elections are based on money and slogans, they don't get into technical details. He might very well be breaking the law but no one's going to arrest him.
- Menge 11y ago
  Not in Mississippi, but just as mayors sometimes run for re-election from state and federal prisons.. It sounds like the SEC should investigate this stock price manipulation scheme and look at the transactions of everyone involved for signs of insider trades before his official actions hit the public register.
snsr 11y ago
According to the Sony leaks, the MPAA has been directly funding investigations by state attorneys general offices. https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20141212/12142629419/leaked-emails-reveal-mpaa-plans-to-pay-elected-officials-to-attack-google.shtml https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20141212/12142629419/leake...
- tedunangst 11y ago
  That's better than funding it with tax money, no?
  - lordfoom 11y ago
    No.

qopp 11y ago

In the US, for public figures at least, to prove a libel charge you have to prove that the individual knew the claim was false. EFF can make any claim they want as long as they're not aware its specifically untrue. See: New York Times Co. v. Sullivan

guelo 11y ago

I don't know Mississippi but in general attorney generals have very little accountability besides elections. And elections are based on money and slogans, they don't get into technical details. He might very well be breaking the law but no one's going to arrest him.

Menge 11y ago
Not in Mississippi, but just as mayors sometimes run for re-election from state and federal prisons.. It sounds like the SEC should investigate this stock price manipulation scheme and look at the transactions of everyone involved for signs of insider trades before his official actions hit the public register.

snsr 11y ago

According to the Sony leaks, the MPAA has been directly funding investigations by state attorneys general offices. https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20141212/12142629419/leaked-emails-reveal-mpaa-plans-to-pay-elected-officials-to-attack-google.shtml https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20141212/12142629419/leake...

tedunangst 11y ago
That's better than funding it with tax money, no?
- lordfoom 11y ago
  No.