AS REGULAR READERS WILL KNOW, I’m no fan of Orrin Hatch. His latest draconian copyright bill doesn’t make me like him any more:

The Senate Judiciary Committee will consider a bill Thursday that would hold technology companies liable for any product they make that encourages people to steal copyright materials.

Critics say the bill would effectively outlaw peer-to-peer networks and prohibit the development of new technologies, including devices like the iPod. The Inducing Infringement of Copyrights Act (S. 2560) was introduced last month by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), head of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation would hold a company liable that “intentionally induces” a person to infringe copyright.

It’s a disgrace.

UPDATE: Reader Jim Breed emails: “Is Hatch out after Xerox? Sounds like it applies to photocopiers, as well as IPOD.”

Personally, I’m mystified as to why Republicans want to help the entertainment industry.