Is there anything more annoying than being forced to watch a bunch of ads and PSAs after starting up a DVD or Blu-ray that you just paid money to own? Okay, maybe a few. Still, I am guessing this news will not win the MPAA any new fans, and it’s further proof that they are going about their quest to end piracy in all the wrong ways. According to Wired, starting this week, new DVD and Blu-ray discs will be forced to include updated anti-piracy warnings that take longer to display and include some additional branches of the government that are now also involved in the fight. John Morton, director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, had this to say about the changes:

“Our nation’s film and TV business is critical to our economy… Its creativity and imagination have made American entertainment one of our greatest exports over the decades, but criminals are increasingly engaging in new forms of digital theft. Law enforcement must continue to expand how it combats criminal activity. Public awareness and education are a critical part of that effort.”

The original FBI warning will now include the Homeland Security Investigations “special agent” badge, which reflects their new ability to immediately seize and close down any websites believed to be involved in piracy. An additional screen proudly displays the intimidating logo of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, along with the message, “Piracy is not a victimless crime. For more information on how digital theft harms the economy, please visit www.iprcenter.gov.”

While I realize that this not necessarily an earth-shattering issue, it does seem weird that people who legally purchase retail copies of movies continue to get scolded, while people who download illegal torrents and bootlegs obviously don’t see these warnings at all. What do you think, do these ads serve a purpose or are they hopelessly misguided?