Unfortunately, that's not new. In recent years, I've seen those 'EULA'- patent-like warnings on many a fresh produce packaging.
How did it happen? Well it's very simple really. As with DRM, copyrights and patents the average member of the public couldn't give a damn about them, so only those with financial vested interests hold enough sway with politicians to have laws altered.
This isn't my idea, I picked the idea up from 'Mr Copyright' (Cory Doctorow) who wrote about such matters a while back.
How did it happen? Well it's very simple really. As with DRM, copyrights and patents the average member of the public couldn't give a damn about them, so only those with financial vested interests hold enough sway with politicians to have laws altered.
This isn't my idea, I picked the idea up from 'Mr Copyright' (Cory Doctorow) who wrote about such matters a while back.