Fast-forward to today. News Corp.'s MySpace charged with alleged illegal distribution of Universal Music
Group's songs and videos. UMG seeks $150K per alleged violation, and cites more than 60 such instances. However, as recently as News Corp.'s Nov. 8 earnings announcement, Chernin reiterated News
Corp.'s commitment to copyright protection.
The media giant cites the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which excludes companies from being responsible for what users load on their site, as long as they take down protected material when asked. DMCA is beginning to look like a "Get out of Jail" free card, used by new-media companies.