CEAs Shapiro on Consumer Recording Rights and HR 1201
I have to give props to Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association. He has stepped up to going directly against Hollywood on fair use rights. No ambiguity or political correctness about it. He’s swinging for the fences with this press release.
“The content industry’s campaign is to the detriment of consumers, business and the nation’s economy. It’s time for them to stop.”, demands Shapiro.
He makes a solid argument against the media content industry.
- The term intellectual property has been distorted to the point were real property laws are assumed and enforced
- The time limit on copyrights has been overextended from it’s original 14 years to up to 120 years. Many blame Disney for this, since every time Steamboat Willy (1928) comes close to public domain, the copyright laws are extended.
- The content owners have been sucessful at placing new restrictions and licenses on technology, and as a result innovation is stifled, and investors are wary of new technology due to lawsuits.
Shapiro states, “Congress has created entirely new rights, through laws such as the DMCA. Indeed, even as we speak, there is a hearing going on in the Senate Judiciary Committee on a proposal to restrict how consumers can enjoy satellite radio services. The amazing thing is that the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) wants Congress to mandate more design restrictions on digital radio receivers even though the satellite companies pay them for the music and the manufacturers pay a royalty to the music industry for every recording device. On top of that, every recording device already has technical limitations that the recording industry asked for, claiming that would forever solve any issue they had with digital recording products. What are we to believe now? The game of crying wolf is not only tiresome; it’s harmful to consumers and innovation.”
Mr. Shapiro’s remarks were made in support of a bill circulating in Washington, Digital Media Consumer’s Rights Act of 2005 (HR 1201). HR1201 does two important things. First, it requires labeling for copy protected products. No more “surprise, it’s a rootkit” fiascos. Hey if they need to label a CD to show it has explicit lyrics, then they should also label a CD to warn your family members what will come out of your mouth after using the CD. Second, HR1201 allows circumventing DRM to allow for a legal activity. This would allow devices like a HDMI+HDCP to Component video convertor so that you may continue to use that HD Ready display that you spent $5K on a couple years ago.
Take some time to express your support for this important piece of consumer legislation. It’s really easy, just follow this link to get started.